The architecture of an urban Indian bazaar works on the scheme of a mélange. It appears to serve as the unifying theme for these programmes. Thereby introducing a kind of ride-through space and experiences that are controlled and enhanced through architectural forms and materiality.
Editor’s Note: “With an organic design language and contemporary interpretation of traditional architectural elements, Awadh Shilpgram offers an array of craft shops. Taking inspiration from the bazaars of Lucknow the design takes one on a journey of unforgettable experience. The intricate jali work, chikan kari inspired motifs and the grand arches evoke a sense of grandiosity.” ~Simran Khare
This Community Centre Emulates The Vibrancy Of The Indian Bazaar | Studio Archohm
The visual mélange produces an architectural scenario for the activity of leisure and pleasure, an indulgence in shopping, as well as the feeling of partaking in actions related to craft and culture. It creates an urban scope that inserts itself within a different reality, like in an amusement park, a bubble of reality within the everyday reality of the city outside.
During the design process, the layout of the twenty-acre Awadh Shilpgram evolved organically from the commercial, cultural, social, and leisurely interactions of people.
An elliptical form enables smooth corner-free circulation; it narrows down while spiralling inward and emulates the density and vibrancy of the Indian Bazaar of Lucknow of the yesteryear; the bazaars with the streets that got progressively narrower.
The built environment is an interpretative collage, a gesture saluting the unique traditional architecture of the Roomi Darwaza and the Imambaras.
Adequate daylighting and proper air circulation through cross ventilation further add to the comfort of the comfort of the design. A contemporary interpretation of traditional elements of arches and jaalis has realised its articulation.
Avadh Shilpgram offers nearly two-hundred craft shops, some of which are air conditioned. It also features craft courts, a dormitory hostel, an auditorium, and a food court with stalls serving cuisine from different states. Thus catering generously to visitors and artisans.
The arch, being an important element of the architecture of the city of Lucknow, is introduced as a skin to the inner faces of the buildings. It undergoes a contemporary-style’make-over’ while still allowing continuous access beneath it.
The architects arrange an independent structure to appear integrated. Each arch allows entry into the corridor at the ground-floor level.
The zigzag form of jaali arches is derived by modifying the basic lines of traditional Mughal arches, from which one can pass through the corridors. The double-height nature lets one experience the grand feeling of arches, like in the Buland Darwaza at Agra.
The steel structure is clad with red agra sand stone in a Jaali pattern, with motifs inspired by the renowned Lucknowi embroidery craft called ‘Chikan kari’.
The unique concept, along with the form, scale, materials, and elements that render the architecture, give an iconic building to the city of Nawabs and the people of Lucknow.
Fact File
Designed by: Studio Archohm
Project Type: Commercial Building
Project Name: Awadh Shilpgram
Location: Lucknow
Year Built: 2016
Project Size: 320592 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Sourabh Gupta
Team Design Credits: Suboor Ahmad, Jeevan Das & Dhanbeer Rawat
Photograph Courtesy: Andre J Fanthome
Consultants for the Project: Architect In Charge: Sourabh Gupta / Structural: Lkt Engineering Consultants Ltd. / Civil: Avas Evam Vikas Parishad / Landscape: Bios Ecology And Art Landscape Architecture Plumbing: Techno Engineering Consultants / PMC: Avas Evam Vikas Parishad / Client: Avas Evam Vikas Parishad Project Management Consultancy: Avas Evam Vikas Parishad
The Firm’s Website Link: Studio Archohm
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio Archohm
Firm’s Facebook Link: Studio Archohm
For Similar Projects >> A 2400 sq.ft. Office Interior that Showcases Shades of Gray
The site is located in Ahilyanagar town of Maharashtra, with a design brief of 7,000 sq feet, while the house had to be designed for the hot and dry climate, which responds carefully to extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and low humidity. The design focuses on reducing heat gain, improving natural ventilation, and creating comfortable indoor spaces with […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
SapanoUday is a contemporary residence that balances material rawness with layered textures and crafted detail, aligning modern living with cultural and spatial sensibilities. Designed by Hundreddesigns, the home responds closely to the client’s routines and artistic inclinations while thoughtfully integrating Vastu principles. HundredDesigns The designers defined the architecture through a minimal palette, using exposed concrete […]
KRIPA is a residence that reflects the personality and lifestyle of its homeowner — calm, open, and rooted in nature. The project focuses on creating light-filled, green spaces with minimal private zones, encouraging openness and connection. In a time when spaces are shrinking but expectations are rising, architecture becomes the medium to bridge this gap […]
The Sculpted Sanctuary is a masterclass in modern minimalist design. The project focuses on “Quiet Luxury”. It is the idea that a space doesn’t need bright colors or flashy decor to feel expensive. Instead, it uses raw natural materials, rich textures, and sharp architectural lines. This Home Is A Masterclass In Modern Minimalist Design | […]
SIDHARTHA, is a four-bedroom modern house which is functional and aesthetic driven by the specific needs of the client. The location of the site is in a dense neighbourhood in Bengaluru, India. The contemporary urban dwelling frequently negotiates competing demands. It balances generous daylight and visual connection to the street with privacy, dust control, and […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]