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Located in the Indian state of Orissa, the new headquarters of the Biju Janata Dal party is a tribute to community traditions that aims to keep dialogue with the people alive.
The main political force in the Indian state of Orissa for over two decades, the Biju Janata Dal party has supported inclusive development through leveraging the power of people to trigger processes of change. The party’s inclusive and regionalist ethos permeates the design of its new headquarters in the city of Bhubaneswar.
Originally conceived as a five-story structure, the final building, following a proposal from Studio Lotus of New Delhi, is smaller, with just three levels, but is equally functional and intended to maintain the strong and historical connection of the party with the people and local area.
Intended for public functions and community events, the first floor of the new building is above street level. Creating sightlines with the street, the raised floor establishes an immediate dialogue with passers-by, visually projecting them inside and nullifying the boundary between public and private spaces. Other spaces open to the public on the same floor include a café, library, and audiovisual gallery.
On the upper levels, open-plan offices encourage a collaborative work environment. The second floor combines work spaces, meeting rooms, and private spaces for executives. With offices, breakout areas, and video conferencing rooms, the third floor is mainly for party management. Strap windows emphasize the horizontality of the structure while offering generous views of the surrounding lush landscape.
Designed in collaboration with Siddhartha Das Studio, the façade is a distinctive element and a tribute to the agricultural heritage and traditions of Orissa. Laterite reliefs, hand-carved by local artisans, feature designs inspired by agricultural practices, the iconic temples that dot the region’s landscape, and traditional weaving methods, such as ikat and sambalpuri.
By combining indigenous crafts and contemporary influences, the building’s design reflects the party’s grounded yet ambitious vision. Dhokra-style metalwork and carved khondalite stone benches inside are original representations of the local craftsmanship.
The project includes a series of active and passive strategies aimed at sustainability. With a ratio between windows and walls of 60:40, the building’s dependence on artificial lighting is minimal, while large overhangs and internal courtyards create ample shade and natural ventilation, while bringing nature inside the building and improving thermal comfort.
The landscape design prioritizes native plant species to prolong growing seasons and help regulate the microclimate. Built from laterite and terracotta, the façade provides effective insulation and reduces the need for mechanical cooling. The project also achieves sustainability through a range of strategies, including rainwater collection, groundwater recharge, and solar panels.
>>> Discover the Nokha Village Community Center, designed by Sanjay Puri Architects
Location: Bhubaneswar, India
Completion: 2023
Architect: Studio Lotus
Client: Biju Janata Dal
Site Area: 48,15 ha
Built-up Area: 11.385 sq. m
Consultants
Structural: Desman
MEP: OneMEP
Landscape: DesignCell
Facade: Siddhartha Das Studio
Photography by Suryan Dang, courtesy of Studio Lotus
