“The idea of the industry has long been a symbol not just for mass-production, but also capitalism, and a hierarchical relationship between people who own the means of production, and individuals who don’t.”
Location
Chattral
Typology
Office
Site area
16.15 Hectares
Built area
1 Hectare
The fact that design, materiality, and datum modulation determine movement and accessibility is not unknown.
In Chattral, a town in Gandhinagar, sits a Pharmaceutical Plant whose site is located in an area lower than the road level.
The master plan was re-crafted such that the facilities building became the backdrop of the plan; the administration building became the core. Apart from being commissioned for the landscape design of the space, the studio also undertook work pertaining to architecture, and the design of many buildings and their interior design.
The administration building almost as a revolt against the idea of the ‘Industry’, incorporates a ceremonial ramp over which employees working in the factory walk on a daily basis; a nod to the significant role that they play.
It has been sited below ground level; thus reiterating the confidence in what were very complex studies of storm water management.
Rustic corten steel boxes, amongst other materials make up the buildings.
The architecture has involved not just the construction of new buildings, but also the refurbishment of buildings that were located on site.
The challenge that the ground water presented became the premise of the landscape plan for the space; where a recharge rate of 30,000 liters per hour is ideal, the land allowed only 3000 liters per hour.
Various hydrological calculations, and catchment area studies were conducted to determine the gradation of the site. The land required large holding areas and injection wells
All along the land, cut and fill was conducted for the purposes of land gradation, and enhance its water retention capacity. The cut and fill process has not required that extra soil be brought in.
The landscape design has not relied on external interventions to manage storm water; it is a system of sunken areas, and swales.
