a bamboo pavilion for yogic martial arts in bangalore, india, by samvad design studio

‘the kalari pavilion’ by bangalore, india-based samvad design studio, is conceived as a light, porous, linear bamboo structure juxtaposed against a low concrete mass reflecting the program, a semi-private, yogic martial arts practice space and a private healing space respectively. dense neighborhoods in urbanized pockets of bangalore have seen a surge of vertical extension — this pavilion is also one such extension with a constraint to be dismantled at will.

the pavilion acknowledges its urban context by allowing impressions of the context through its screens

samvad design studio’s pavilion is erected on a load-bearing structure, on the second floor, in a quintessential mixed-use neighborhood. the design tries to negotiate its context by allowing the existing organic surroundings to interact with a designed intervention, where mature trees form the walls along with bamboo screens, tied rhythmically with industrial precision, creating a light pavilion, modulating light and wind.

tall, linear, porous bamboo pavilion juxtaposed against a low concrete mass, tucked between and through the foliage

instead of creating an aloof vertical extension, the attempt was to render an impression of urbanity which can be perceived through the bamboo structure. a minimal and industrial-like quality of the pavilion warranted bamboos of a fairly uniform cross-section. in the local variety of bamboo, the cross-section tapers beyond 10 feet — the proportion of the screen wall is derived from this parameter.

arrival denoted by a black impervious plane transitioning into a porous, light sifting volume

the structural grid of the metal columns is reflected on the floor grid; the black oxide floor and low-height parapet walls form a seamless black vessel, contrasting the light-shifting bamboo screen above, echoing the traditional practice arenas which were dark, earthen pits, open to the sky.

use of industrial material palette like metal and sheet roof in conjunction with bamboo

black oxide floor and parapet form a heavy ‘vessel’ contrasting with the light structure above

the structural grid of the metal columns are reflected on the floor grid

lower, private volumes behind the porous, semi-public volume

the lantern-like structure modulates light and wind

bamboo screens, tied rhythmically with industrial precision

the pavilion is perched on the second floor, in a quintessential mixed-use neighborhood

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edited by: maria erman | designboom