“In the beginning was a vast open space” – undefined, nondescript and ordinary, part of a playfield of the sprawling Kumaraguru College of Technology campus, in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Matched against this priceless asset were the lofty visions of the university gathering area – to not only reiterate and redefine its four-decade identity, but to motivate its variegated student community to self-propel itself to higher level of achievements. The baffling question before it was “how?”
Editor’s Note: Although the design of the community gathering space, “The Orb,” is simple and minimalistic, the intended impact is awe-inspiring. The circular shape itself allows efficient circulation while creating more intimacy. Its lightweight form is limitless and is open to multiple activities. One can meander through the garden, becoming a focal point for the entire university. – Gopika Pramod
A University Gathering Area that Scripts a Powerful and Distinct Vision | Triple O Studio
The University imposed no limits on the proposal. It’s concept was simple. It had no design brief; no space requirements; no specific site, no budget. It was ambitious yet nebulous.
The first step in the design process was to anchor the idea to a specific, immutable location in the master plan; in a manner that its position could never be undermined; nor it’s status ever be reduced. The existence of a prevailing but imperceptible axis served as the spark.
The idea of a vista suggested itself. An iconic flag mast, visible from far and wide, and hosting the Indian Tricolor, was to become a fulcrum around which the rest of the campus would rotate. At 115’0” in height, the mast has a valid claim to be the tallest in the region.
The national flag by its very presence exudes an aura of positive emotions in the onlooker. It was a sanctum marked for veneration. A subdued circular structure, 60’0” in diameter, encasing the mast, was an automatic choice; a subtle, porous and unassuming structure that offered an invitation from any direction.
One part of the University’s grand vision of redefining itself was thus conceptualized.
The second part of the University’s vision – to stimulate its student community – was to foster interactive usage; to create a welcoming, democratic and an encumbrance-free O.A.T space under the benign shadow of the sanctum; a sort of temple of activity through self-realization.
The two spaces fused themselves into each other and took on the mystical form of a loop. An overall duality of usage was sought to be achieved. The smaller loop, the sanctum, represents the Nation through its Tricolor while the larger one, the O.A.T, represents a healthy democracy.
An identical visual and architectural language was adopted for the larger loop, with gentle meandering ramps more or less guiding the visitors to a low podium.
The permanent seating arrangement is calibrated to suit a variety of needs. Designed in two ergonomic levels of varying widths, it encourages varied configurations. The bookends of the seating have been soothingly tapered landscaped bed.
The translucent tensile fabric roof was chosen symbolically as the wings of a bird in flight. While the flooring pattern in the sanctum is truly a work of craftsmanship, in the atrium it is more illusory.
In fact, if the vision of intellectual stimulation were to be reduced to physical terms, then this arrangement has fulfilled that dream.
The entire project celebrates subtlety and is marked by an architectural simplicity in the usage of its colors, textures, shapes and illumination. It almost reminds one of those famous lines from Tagore’s poem: “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; Where knowledge is free……..”
Fact File
Designed by: Triple O Studio
Project Type: Institutional Buildings
Project Name: The Orb – Flag Pavilion
Location: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Year Built : 2022
Built Up Area: 24756.99 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. Tahaer Zoyab
Team Design Credits: Anupriya Subbian, Ar. Tahaer Zoyab, Sarojini Gandhi & Vigneswaran
Photograph Courtesy: triple o Pixel & Binsan Oommen Baby (Bob)
Client: Kumaraguru College Of Technology, Coimbatore
Structural Consultant: Duvo Engineering
Landscape Consultant: Vanavarayan Institue Of Agriculture, Pollachi
Contractor: Sujan Consortium
Firm’s Website Link: Triple O Studio
Firm’s Instagram Link: Triple O Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: Triple O Studio
For Similar Projects >> A Vocational Training Institute in Aurangabad while Focusing on Improved Social Responsibility
Nestled in the serene surroundings of Swarnabhoomi, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Ivory Courtyard is more than just a residence—it is an architectural statement that harmoniously blends Indian traditional values with modern contemporary living. With its pristine ivory colour exterior symbolising purity and sophistication, this home stands as a beacon of elegance and comfort for the two families […]
“Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]
Nestled in what was once a coconut orchard, Sanctum serves as a sanctuary for a retired couple. Their daughter & a feline companion join them to offer a tranquil environment for everyday goings-on. The site is a 60’ x 90’ portion of land with six coconut trees. Two teak wood & silver oak trees, each […]
Tucked into the calm, tree-lined lanes of Nagarbhavi in Bangalore, Avani Residence rises as a poetic response to the chaos of the city, a vertical sanctuary where light dances, materials breathe, and space unfolds in gentle rhythms. Designed by Archemist Architects for a family of four, the residence is a nuanced interplay between constraint and […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
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 […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
This simple farmhouse design is a humble residence that responds to the climate and site. It is a fun fact that the house is both an inward and outward looking house at the same time. One of the USPs of the simple farmhouse design project would be that it connects well with the most playful […]