In the ever-evolving patterns of city spaces and urban life, the Exhibition Centre redefines public spaces in East Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi. The spatial landscape is transforming at a rapid pace. As cities grow, smaller spaces expand while traditional urban areas dwindle, challenging the essence of communal spaces in the public realm. Central Delhi’s East Kidwai Nagar was on the cusp of smart city recognition. Originally conceived as a mixed-use smart city plan in 2019, East Kidwai Nagar aimed to address New Delhi’s chronic housing shortage.

Editor’s Note: “Standing graciously in the streets of New Delhi, this exhibition centre with its intricately detailed facade, evokes a sense of visibility and openness. Transparency, inclusivity and sustainability are at the core of planning and design. With its intricate patterns, the Jali screening casts a mesmerising play of light and shadow, enveloping the surroundings in a captivating aura.” ~Simran Khare

The Exhibition Centre Redefines Public Spaces in East Kidwai Nagar, New Delhi | Sthapati

In collaboration with the Ministry of Urban Housing and Affairs (MoUHA) and facilitated through NBCC, the master planning, design, and implementation responsibilities of The Exhibition Center were delegated to STHAPATI. Under the vision of STHAPATI, the upcoming exhibition center is more than just a physical space—it represents sustainable solutions for a changing world. With a focus on leaving a lasting impact on both communities and the environment, their approach aligns with the evolving needs of modern urban living.

Under the vision of STHAPATI, the upcoming exhibition center is more than just a physical space—it represents sustainable solutions for a changing world. With a focus on leaving a lasting impact on both communities and the environment, their approach aligns with the evolving needs of modern urban living.

Urban Challenges And The Evolution Of Public Spaces

The global phenomenon of rapid urbanization has led to a paradox where smaller spaces flourish and urban areas seemingly diminish. In an era where societal interaction and communal existence are cherished, the need for innovative design becomes paramount. Further redefining the use of public spaces and extending them into an urban interior realm, the East Kidwai Nagar Exhibition Centre takes center stage.

Part of the East Kidwai Nagar redevelopment initiative by the Ministry of Urban Housing and Affairs. This groundbreaking project seeks to create a public community space reminiscent of an urban center. Strategically positioned along the main ring road connecting major hubs in New Delhi, the site boasts high visibility and proximity to the bustling South Extension commercial center, famed for lifestyle shopping.

Planning and Design Excellence: Transparency and Porosity for Visual Intergeneration

Since the surrounding urban fabric is a very dense settlement, the three-story structure’s surreal elevation design elevates the building. The novel design ensures porosity, and a visual connection across the two sides of the exhibition centre. Furthermore, making it a sure-shot conversation starter in the gentrifying neighborhood.

Despite its airy appearance, the site plan was initially very restrictive regarding boundaries. Thus, the architectural intent has been not to make the exhibition centre guests feel claustrophobic. The end-to-end large column-free spaces ensure just that while adding spatial depth to the compact space.

The meticulous planning approach extends to the ground floor entrance lobbies, featuring transparent glass walls to enhance visibility and porosity. The ingenious use of screened fenestrations allows for soft patterns of light and shadow on the floor throughout the day. It provides a captivating view of the bustling ring road, seamlessly connecting the interior with the external urban fabric.

Sustainable and Prefabricated Construction: A Model for the Future

Acknowledging the dense settlement surrounding the site, the design concept is for the design to ‘lift’ the building. This allows for ground-level use as a covered public space, basking in natural light and ventilation. Which overall extends into the surrounding urban fabric. This design choice ensures porosity and visual connectivity. It positions the Exhibition Centre as a landmark in the heart of New Delhi.

The project’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its prefabricated construction, which significantly reduces on-site pollution and waste generation. The use of vibrant shades on exposed steel structures inside the exhibition space celebrates the building’s structure. It further contributes to a vibrant, cheerful atmosphere that stimulates community interactions.

A Symphony of Steel and Space

The Exhibition Centre is a three-story structure, defying conventions with its complete steel framework. Featuring expansive spans of unsupported column-free spaces reaching 35 meters. Its innovative design addresses spatial constraints as well as creating a covered public space at ground level. Hence, maximizing usability for the residents of East Kidwai Nagar.

Upon entering the grand double-height lobby, visitors are greeted with lifts guiding them to Level 1, dedicated to exhibition spaces. Level 2, guides them to a community center that fosters social interactions.

Indian summers are hot, but Delhi’s temperatures can soar unbearably during the season. The design executed the futuristic build’s intricate, latticed GRC Jali façade, inspired by a character typical of Lutyens Delhi. The facade transcends being merely a GRC screen. It seamlessly integrates an expansive LED screen, transforming the building into a dynamic canvas that comes alive, marrying function and aesthetics for a captivating urban experience while pulling in the crowds.

The Changing Dynamics Of Urban Life Burgeoning Phenomenon

To coordinate all aspects of a high-profile event, the exhibition centre’s unmatched services come with a depth of expertise and unmatched commitment to service. This overall includes multi-cuisine eateries at the entry level to showcase the subcontinent’s gastronomy, modular, collapsible and reconfigurable exhibition stand to stretch retail goals. Along with ample community spaces with panoramic views on the upper decks and duly screened jali work awnings on the terrace to allow alfresco events.

Acknowledging the increasing importance of indoor spaces, particularly public interiors, in shaping and mirroring the changing dynamics of cities, the design for The Exhibition Centre is a public space designed with inclusivity in mind, challenging the conventional notions of public and private and creating a unique ‘public realm.’ In a world where people spend more time indoors due to health concerns and climate impacts, The Exhibition Centre demands a rethink of design priorities. Hence, the exhibition center emphasizes the crucial role of interior design in addressing broader issues of urbanism, livability, and equity in public indoor spaces.

A Paradigm Shift in Urbanism

The East Kidwai Nagar Exhibition Centre is not merely a building but a transformative intervention in the urban landscape. Altogether, born out of a collaboration between the Ministry of Urban Housing and Affairs and NBCC, this architectural marvel exemplifies the power of built public spaces to create dynamic, inclusive, and environmentally conscious environments that anticipate the future needs of urban dwellers.

The project serves as a rallying point for a paradigm shift in how we approach urban design. The exhibition center stands as a testament to the potential of public buildings to shape and reflect the changing dynamics of urban life. It altogether emphasizes the importance of inclusive design practices for a more sustainable and equitable future.

Fact File

Designed by: Sthapati

Project Type: Commercial Building

Project Name: The Exhibition Center

Location: New Delhi

Year Built: 2022

Duration of the project: 12 Months

Project Size: 50,000 Sq.ft

Principal Architects: Ar. Khushboo bansal & Ar. Harsh Varshneya

Team Design Credits: Anuj Varshneya, Sandeep Kamboj & Nagendra Pratap singh

Photograph Courtesy: Studio Noughts & Crosses

Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – High-pressure laminates / Construction Materials – structural steel, glass reinforced concrete, Jali panels / Lighting – Oranje / Facade Systems – Saint Gobain / Windows – saint Gobain / Flooring –natural stone / Paint – Asian paints / Wallpaper – Asian paints Nilaya / Hardware – Hafele

Firm’s Website Link: Sthapati

Firm’s Instagram Link: Sthapati

Firm’s Facebook Link: Sthapati

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