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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 FileDesigned 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
For Similar Project>>> WARM, PLAYFUL AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE YOUNG SCHOOL CHILDREN
“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 […]
In Tiruppur’s industrial heartland, where the rhythm of textile mills sets the tone, the layered architecture in this Villa offers a quiet counterpoint. Shaped by stillness, proportion, and cultural memory, the home reflects the clients’ vision for a contemplative retreat. Set on a square plot within a gridded residential layout, the residence embraces architectural restraint […]
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 […]
The designers envision Asterix Café as a flagship destination that challenges café design conventions. While coffee culture often associates with warm, pastel tones, Asterix dares to be different by embracing darkness as its defining aesthetic. Designed by UrbanNest Design Studio, the bespoke cafe is a bold experiment in creating a multi-functional, community centric space where […]
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 […]
Situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Anandvan residence beautifully embodies biophilic design, fostering a deep connection with nature through its thoughtful integration of outdoor and indoor spaces through open courtyards. Open Courtyards And A Biophilic Design Connect The Outdoors With The Indoors | R+R Architects Location The location and surroundings played a significant role in determining the […]
What if the simplest object in your home could turn into a design icon? Tectona Grandis Furniture and The Architects’ Diary come together to introduce the Chair Affair. This is India’s first-of-its-kind furniture design competition that dares architects and designers across India to rethink the most essential piece of furniture – the Chair. Beyond function, […]
In a calm and serene residential area of Mysore, a 10,000 sq. ft. site with mature mango and coconut trees set the stage for Eden Kindergarten school. One half of the land was already occupied by an existing block, while the other half was shaded by the canopy of old trees. Instead of altering this […]
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 […]