archohm's museum of socialism in india is an urban sculpture composed of a juxtaposition of functions

archohm’s JPN museum is a vital component of the JPN monument acting as a gateway to the jai prakash narayan international center. the JPNIC has been designed as a signature building for the city of nawabs in india. it is envisaged as a tribute to the great indian activist and a socialist political leader jai prakash narayan. his loyal friend and comrade in arms was dr. ram manohar lohia and it is appropriate that the complex is situated next to his in lucknow.

the JPN museum is a vital component, acting as a gateway to the jai prakash narayan international center

the museum symbolizes jai prakash narayan’s spirit and leadership that brought people together, changing the political demography in india during the mid 1970’s. indian based studio archohm has designed to inspire through its bold form and to remind people of the immense power they have; to bring change, for good and to change what must be changed to pass on a glorious future to the next generations.

the stepped roof forms an amphitheater and acts as an extension to the public plaza

the entry to the museum is through a huge arch 20 m wide and 9 m high, amidst a blank triangular facade creating altogether a different aura. the facade of the museum is cladding with terracotta tiles. entering the museum, one enters a triple height area leading down to the basement having an area of about 1350 m². the double height area in the basement with water bodies on both sides seems to look like a pavilion floating on the water. the photo gallery on the first floor extends to an upper level and the volume of this area is defined by the soft splash of diffused natural light from the roof skylights, washing the display of walls. this 27 m high wedge-shaped monument is connected by ‘steps of contemplation’. the stepped roof forms an amphitheater and acts as an extension to the public plaza. the steps of the amphitheater terminate into a pavilion at the peck, allowing a focused view to the JPN center through an 8.3 m long viewing tunnel at the top.

the steps of the amphitheater terminate into a pavilion at the peck, allowing a focused view to the JPN center

apart from being an urban sculpture, the monument is composed of a juxtaposition of functions, unfolding as surprises. this interactive museum will draw people by its imposing presence and playful sense of illusion. archohm’s museum aspires to become a place of joy, contemplation and inspiration.

elevated timeline

exhibition area

kinetic sculpture

kid’s zone

exhibition area

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edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom