studio advaita completes its colorful expansion to the snehalay foundation, india

in ahmednagar, india, studio advaita architects has successfully completed its construction of the ‘firodiya center for inspiration’. the center is part of a new expansion to the snehalaya foundation, an NGO offering shelter and support to at risk women, children and members of the LGBTQ community by providing education, healthcare and livelihood services. 

the center is part of a new expansion to the snehalaya foundation

in their design for the expansion, advaita architects were invited to create a structure that could house administrative office spaces as well as an information gallery for visitors, shielded both visually and acoustically from the surrounding industrial environment. the new form would need to evolve around an existing kitchenette and striking geodesic dome that had been built 15 years prior. in advaita’s plan, the new additions are realized as amorphous interlinked units, aligned according to the pragmatic needs of the space and its environmental aspect. another major concern was temperature control, and how to protect the center from the heat and glare of the sun.

the brief called for a space shielded both visually and acoustically from the surrounding industrial environment

the project aims to create a highly sustainable campus through the application of various strategies. waste generation is reduced by recycling or salvaging at least 50% of refuse produced. in construction, 90% of building material and products were sourced locally, while lighting loads are minimized through thoughtfully placed skylights and efficient LED lamps.

in construction, 90% of building material and products were sourced locally

an informal enclosure around the dome is created by a series of intersecting walls, acting as an outdoor exhibition space for the snehalaya foundation. the walls are painted in a variety of vibrant block colors, creating bright and playful areas to be explored and discovered. an indoor gallery is placed tilted to the existing building, opening a small courtyard space between the two. internally, white walls matched with brown kotah flooring help to maximize natural light. ‘over-detailed’ interiors are avoided to emphasize the ‘simple dignity of silent architecture’. the dome itself has been entirely renovated, and serves as a space for lectures, presentations and performance. 

the new additions are realized as amorphous interlinked units

throughout, windows and doors are designed to maximize airflow and lighting while minimizing heat gain. large openable perforated sheet doors offer a sweeping view of the adjacent court, inviting the exterior plan of the complex inside. tonally, the energetic outdoor spaces and clean, minimal indoor areas creates a dramatic contrast, an effect which the studio says ‘achieves the dignity essential to the visitor center’.

the energetic outdoor spaces and clean, minimal indoor areas creates a dramatic contrast

renovated dome with north-facing tunnel light and perforated screen door

white walls matched with brown kotah flooring help to maximize natural light

the indoor gallery is flooded with natural light

perforated sheet doors offer a sweeping view of adjacent court

the architects were invited to create a structure that could house administrative offices and an information gallery 

drawing of the final design

project info:

architect: prasad badave & rasika badave (for studio advaita)
design team: rajiv gujar, anil gavande, ashok akolkar, sanjay kharat
fabricator: balasaheb walhekar
photography: rasika badave
client: snehalay, ahmednagar

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edited by: peter corboy | designboom