search

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

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

east kidwai nagar

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.

east kidwai nagar

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.

east kidwai nagar

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.

east kidwai nagar

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.

east kidwai nagar

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.

east kidwai nagar

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.

east kidwai nagar

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.

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.

east kidwai nagar

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

For Similar Project>>> WARM, PLAYFUL AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE YOUNG SCHOOL CHILDREN

This Bungalow Style House Is Rooted in Vastu and Modernism | The ART Container

This bungalow style house influences the site context and can be visualised in multiple facades of sharp edges & cuboidal form. Her,e salient features like U-Projection are an expression of the bench on a level one. The house divides itself into three bays. On the ground floor, where first bay acquire all public activities like […]

Read More

Console House’s Modern Architecture Design Floats Above The Forest | Hello Wood

Imagine yourself on the terrace of your hidden mountain retreat, drinking a fresh cup of coffee as you admire the sunrise emerging from behind the rolling hills across the valley. This serene atmosphere is exactly what Hello Wood’s latest project, the Console House, is designed to offer. The Console House showcases modern architecture design while […]

Read More

This Contemporary Tropical House Design Captures The Essence Of Rural Charm | Urban Hive

As cities continue to grow and evolve, there is a growing desire to incorporate elements of rural living into urban design. By embracing rural living principles, cities can create more eco-friendly and sustainable spaces. Rural living is not just about wide-open spaces and rolling hills. It’s also about community, sustainability, and a connection to nature. […]

Read More

This Home Is An Ode To Luxury Residences That Embrace Earth and Elegance | Vitthal Todkar & Associates

Located in the thriving city of Ichalkaranji, this is an example of luxury residences is a seamless blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. The striking exterior, adorned with brick and natural stone cladding, exudes warmth, character, and permanence. These rich textures create a visually captivating façade, harmonizing tradition with contemporary design while making a […]

Read More

Stone in Architecture: 10 Must-Know Projects In India

Throughout history, stone has embodied permanence, artistry, and raw beauty in architecture. From the grandeur of Roman amphitheaters to the earthy elegance of modern villas, stone remains a beloved material for its strength, sustainability, and aesthetic richness. As design trends evolve toward natural materials, eco-conscious decisions, and biophilic design, stone has found new expressions — […]

Read More

This Biophilic Office Design Is Sculpted in Daylight | AD Studio9

The space adopts a biophilic office design and climate-responsive approach, creating a workspace that reimagines urban interiors by deeply embedding them with nature. The style is earthy, minimal, and modern with a strong contextual sensitivity to its location. Also, a lush canopy surrounds the bare-shell site on the first floor, allowing for abundant daylight and […]

Read More

Saba House Is A Wind-Catcher of Memories and Modernity | Project 51 A (h)

The design started from an old house where a family of seven stood, one yet to be born. Hari & Sreelakshmi, Usha-Hari’s mother, Malathi, teacher, Hari’s grandmother, kids, Sankari, Paru, and yet to be born Sreebala. Four generations living in a 60-year-old house that had begun to show its age with dimly lit rooms, leaking […]

Read More

This Wellbeing Centre Blends Seamlessly with the Dense Canopy and Natural Surroundings | Urban Circle

The clients’ requirement was to create a wellbeing centre at Oleander Farms, Karjat, Maharashtra, that would be a tranquil sanctuary for their visitors. Walking through a dense canopy of trees, hearing the soft chirping of birds, we slowly embarked on an expanse of a 2-acre of land that was both open yet heavily tree-laden. This […]

Read More

This Office with Garden Blurs Boundaries between Work and Retreat | Arcline Architects

The thought was to create a space which would act as a formal real estate workspace in the daytime and a family retreat in the evening. By its name, as it is, ‘Leveled. This office with a garden is defined using levels, in terms of volumes, surfaces as well as edges. These levels are rationalized […]

Read More

These Courtyard Villas Connect Deeply with Nature and Everyday Rhythms | The Grid Architects

Nirmay (निर्मय) reflects purity and holistic well-being. Envisioned as a quiet sanctuary amidst the noise of urban life, these courtyard villas offer a way of living that is calm, conscious, and deeply connected to the land. Rooted in sustainability and ecological harmony, the design responds to both nature and the everyday rhythms of its inhabitants. […]

Read More
  • Interior Designers in Kochi Punctuated The Modern Apartment With Motifs | D'LIFE Home Interiors

    Stilt Floor, Staggered Cutouts And Skylights Are Highlights Of This Home | Spaces Architects@ka