sga-studio

Typology- Educational

Completion Year: 2023

Gross Built Area : 26000 Sqft

Project Location: Akbarpur, Uttar Pradesh ,India

Lead Architects: Shaily Gupta

Design Team: Joy zen , Prathmesh wable , Meghna

Structural design: Manjunath & Co

MEP Engineers:- Prifactors engg

Clients: Raghuraji devi foundation trust

The Takshila Academy Activity Centre is the third structure of the academy in Akbarpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. The others being a primary school and senior school.

The new building sits facing the existing football field and is integrated with the existing senior school building through pathways and porch. The football field commanded the axis and placement of the new project.

The building houses a sports hall of (18x30m) with multiple courts, activity rooms, conference rooms. The hall equipped with stage (8x12.5m), green rooms and storage, can also be used as a large multi-purpose area facilitating a range of other cultural events such as concerts, plays, etc. The hall is equipped with built-in bleachers for 100 students for the sports hall and 170 students on the first floor looking out on to the football field.

After dismantling his edible oil factory, the client was left with high tonnage of steel trusses and columns in all forms and sizes, which he wished to reuse for the new project.

Upcycling of the old metal became one of the most motivating aspect of the project. As much as it was adhering to our responsibilities towards sustainability, upcycling also came with a lot of challenges, especially of building in a third tier city with limited and less sophisticated construction infrastructure.

We did the inventory of old style Fink trusses (18m) ,Mono Trusses ( 9.8 m), double Columns (6m, 5m) Purlins and factory louvers. Challenge was to reuse as many elements as possible, demonstrating a real hand on upcycling, but also make the project look contemporary and light.

The project was designed from top to bottom instead of the reverse. The roof was designed foremost, as per the available structural elements. Almost like fitting a jigsaw puzzle with permutations and combinations, catering to the functions coming underneath. It was extended in the front side with help of two twisted columns and new trusses made by retrofitting the old trusses to fit the dimension of the cantilever. The front side covers the entrance and seating facing the field. The roof not only provides shelter from the wind and sun, but also creates an amalgamated space between the indoor and outdoor zones.

Consequentially, we arrived at a decision of constructing the ground floor in conventional RCC frame structure with metal structure on the first floor, dividing the building horizontally into a heavy base made of exposed brick walls contrasting with a lightness of metal roof structure above.

Viewing this project from the football field reveals an expansive roof canopy with an opaque ground floor and a floating/almost transparent upper floor. Also giving the impression that the project is anchored/raised off the ground with the light steel structure suspended above, touching the sky.

The lightweight metal puff panel roof is formed in three parts, held up by the metal columns. It is a combination of hipped and gable roof separated by a louvered façade which brings in the refracted light and keeps to budget under control. The louvers get repeated and are used as railings on the first floor to harmonise the project. Old purlins and extra columns were upcycled into bracings, connectors, large span railings and structure for staircases.

This building is entirely naturally ventilated, the dominant winds from the North, North West for most of the year pick up the moisture from the football field and the orchard before crossing the building and getting exhausted from the top roof.

The circulation on the first floor wrapping around the building in continuity, allows for the hanging gallery and bleacher seats overlooking the football field. It allows for the movement from inside to outside in an unobstructed manner. The continuous circulation of the first floor and the floating roof adds to the horizontality of the project, practically dematerializing the verticals.

Windows are shaded with deep verandas /gallery on all sides. The hall is naturally lit for daytime purposes and equipped with sports lighting for the evenings and stage performances.

Neutral metallic colour scheme for the metal, strengthens the weightlessness of the roof and trusses. The exposed bricks and concrete add to the earthy colour tone to the project.

photographs-©sohaib ilyas

Typology:Educational

Location:  Akbarpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh

Plot area:1 Acre

Built up area: 4500 sqm

Time schedule: Nov 2015-Decmber 2017

Owner: Raghuraji devi foundation trust

Structural Consultants: Nirman Engineering

Civil contractor: Udayanchal, Faizabad

Design team: Shaily Gupta (Design Lead), Mayank jain, SabikaZaidi

Taksila roots caters to the primary department of the Taksila academy and is built well within the city of Akbarpur.  It is a Primary school with Classes from Nursery to 5th Standard. + activity spaces etc. The building is set on one side of the rectilinear plot, leaving a larger chunk on the south for the playfield, tyre park, service block and the vehicular parking. The building is oriented parallel to the main road, with the longer facade towards the south/ south east. 

The building is designed as a set of cluster blocks connected by a large flying roof and circulation around a courtyard. Each floor has three clusters of classrooms with activity spaces always facing the courtyard or a terrace. The plinth of the project is free- flowing with open access from all sides and connects all the external spaces like stage, Splash pool etc. The courtyard is flanked by two staircases on either side, in a mirrored position. The round cutouts on each terrace serves the purpose of a simple chajja and also adds to the play of light and shadow. The juxtaposition of these round cutouts opens up diagonal views in the project, adding to the ambience of the inner space.

The roof as a main feature of the project connects all the blocks together and gives a floating character to the school. It acts as an artificial floor used for playing activities of the kids. The roof when experienced from inside, endows a feeling of shade and protection. 

The modularity and the exposed RCC structure play a vital role in the visual aesthetics of the project. The school has no air-conditioning. The orientation of the project, cluster formation (thermal mass), courtyard, chajjas and the flying roof result in achieving optimum temperature in the classrooms.This project has integrated BALA elements (Building as a Learning Aid) within  the main civil construction the building. Flooring patterns, elements in the walls and corridors have puzzles, games and theorems to stimulate children’s learning environment.

COMING UP

Location: Akbarpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh

Built up area: 1100 sqft

Time schedule: 2023

Owner: Raghuraji devi foundation trust

Lead Architects: Shaily Gupta

Design Team: Meghna

PROJECT BACKGROUND AND CONCEPT:

The client needed to re-plan, de-clutter and expand the services area, at the entrance of the Taksila academy. The triangular plot juts out of the main site area. The new project was planned to sit in a way not to disturb the existing boundary wall and still be able to gain the maximum area to build.

The block comprises of a guard room, services area, electrical panels room, dg space and toilets. The guard room is abutting the boundary wall to enable the guards to keep a check on the main gate and also the rest of the block. The block also provides a shaded court and a room for the staff/ drivers to sit in between their work hours.

The design approach is straightforward and relies a lot on the site context. Exposed ordinary bricks with metal structure are chosen as materials keeping in mind the limited budget. The materials allowed for a dry construction technique, which subsequently saved on the construction time also. The geometry plays an important role in achieving the architectural solution. The nature of the functions of the spaces, led to the balance and play of opacity and transparency of the block. It allowed for a mostly opaque façade from outside and more open towards the courtyard.

photographs-©sohaib ilyas

Typology: Renovation Of An Apartment To Duplex

Location:  Vasant Kunj, Delhi

Built up area: 1200 sqft

Time schedule: April 2014-January 2015

Clients: Mr &Mrs Roberts

Structural design: Ajay Aggarwal

 In built furniture: Sga Studio

Design team: shaily gupta (design head), sanrachana archs

 PROGRAM: Conversion of a two bed room apartment to three room Duplex apartment + studio area.

 PROJECT BACKGROUND AND CONCEPT:

 The project transforms a government built, apartment-housing typology to adapt with contemporary needs of the clients. Challenge was to break and insert new spaces within the load bearing structure and without making an extravagant change to the face of the block.

 Since byelaws allow to build a temporary structure on the roof, apartment was converted into a duplex with a studio + terrace garden on the roof. The addition of a vertical dimension changes the perspective of the space and adds to the voluminosity of the space.

 The spacious living space connects the apartment both laterally and vertically. This space becomes the spine of the apartment and an intersection among the varied functions.

 Simple materials were chosen, considering the limited constructional capacity of small time contractors and low budget of the project. The office upstairs has a Metal puff panel roof to to avoid extra load and to remain within the legal bye laws.

Typology- Institutional/ Interiors /Refurbishment

Location:-Khirkee extension, Delhi, India

Gross Built Area (square meters or square foot): 1800 sqft

Completion Year: December 2020

Owner: TCLP -https://www.thecommunitylibraryproject.org/

Civil contractor/furniture : Thakur Enterprises

Design team- Shaily Gupta, Pratyush Gupta, Joy zenhinsang

Project Description

The Community Library Project (TCLP) engaged sga-studio to fulfil a design brief to create a space that exalts books by exalting the readers through whom books reveal their meaning. The free library serving over 2400 first-generation school goers had been evicted from its previous location. TCLP wished sga-studio to design a welcoming library composed of modular units which could be packed up and moved, and all within a minimal budget.

The sga-studio team took it upon themselves to design everything - doors, tables, partitions, reception kiosk and shelves - with two elements: industrial GMS slotted angle and recycled wooden slats. It was a challenge, and a constraint but also an aesthetical exploration of materials.

The site identified for the project was an abandoned dumping ground for area garbage, vandalized repeatedly over the previous fifteen years. The design and implementation was carried out even as a pandemic raged. Upon fulfillment, the design has proven to be one that suggests both open expansive engagement by individuals and collective engagement by the community of which they are a part.

The entry leads to a courtyard which offers a low stage for public arts-based engagement; a scattering of fixed brick seating, a meandering tile pathway and the suggestion of a future garden nod to a vision of an engaged community of readers.

The cavernous 1800 square foot interior houses shelves that can accommodate 10,000 books. Tall shelves divide zones from one another - a zone for children leads to one for young adults and then finally a zone for adults, laying for the new reader the path they will follow to enter lifelong engagement with books. Four golden pendant lamps light the central aisle created by shelves, a literal expression of this lifelong path.

The various zones in the library also demarcate open area seating from an enclosed area where silence can allow for deeper individual engagement with reading. Low hexagonal tables in the open area allow members to engage in read-alouds of favourite books. Shelves on caster wheels can be pushed aside to open the space for film screenings or poetry evenings. Alternate rows of shelves are made without backing to allow members to peep through.

At the entrance, the circulation desk, often a forbidding seat of power is rendered familiar to young library members in its resemblance to the street-side kiosks in which many of their parents work in nearby market spaces. It communicates a simple message: the library belongs to its members, as there is no false division of their life outside the library from their life inside the library.

Typology- Institutional/ Interiors /Refurbishment

Location:-Shamsi Talab, Mehrauli, Delhi, India

Gross Built Area (square meters or square foot): 1000 sqft

Completion Year: March 2022

Design team- Shaily Gupta, SP, Meghna

Project Description

Right from looking for a spot for this library to finally make it functional with minimum 40 kids users, took about 3 months. We found two shops available for rent facing a park and the historical Hauz-i-Shamsi and took the challenge to fit in all the requirements within this small space. We opened the party wall to make the connection between two shop spaces but also not losing the entire wall space required for shelves, tables etc.

After having done one library already, we wanted very light shelves for the library, where the books got maximum visibility. We took the idea from small shops/ supermarkets which use these industrial product for shelves with brackets and shelves. Due to budget constraints, we got the same built for the library and achieved a clean floor without any shelves legs. The space was designed to keep flexibility for various sit down programs, workshops etc. The tables can be stacked in one corner and the stools can go below the shelves.

Typology: Residential

Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Built up area: 17,460 sqft

Time schedule: In Progress- Tender Stage

Clients: Ashish Pandey

Design team: Shaily Gupta ,Pratyush, Joy

Structural design: Nirmaan Engineering Pvt Ltd

MEP Engineers:- Prifactors engg

Site is set in the heart of Lucknow, with two existing large trees. The house has primarily been planned around these trees . All the living spaces and bedrooms face inwards with views to the garden and the trees while the service areas face the main approach and drive way. The client is used to having a lot staff and visitors around. Thus the house has a vertical hierarchy of the public and private spaces. The house is designed for 4 bedrooms, living spaces, lounge and servant quarters.

Typology: Bus Terminal Revitalisation (National Competition)

Location:  Jaipur, Rajasthan

Time schedule: FEBRUARY 2013

Client: Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation

Design team: shaily gupta (SGA STUDIO) + Henri Fanthome (HFOA)

An National Open Design Competition to reimagine the existing and almost defunct bus terminal in the heart of present day Jaipur.

The design uses vertical segregation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic to arrive at a design where there is minimal crossing of paths of the three major traffic types – pedestrian, local private and public transport, and interstate bus traffic. The ground is treated as large  pedestrian plaza that fronts the site, and continues as an edge strip thereby integrating the site into the everyday hustle-bustle and consciousness of the city. Activity specific to Bus travel and support functions are housed in a single terminal building lifted above the plaza, that feeds passengers to the two platform areas through over head or subterranean conduits that bypass the bus causeway and the pedestrian plaza for efficient access. The buses, on two levels are covered with huge tensile roof that shades and protects from rain. To the centre and rear of the site are a hotel and office complex that similarly float over the pedestrian plaza and bus platforms. The façades removes any notion of scale from the outside by a carefully designed repetition of single unit.

The project’s credit is in thinking that the transport functionality of a city can be greatly improved through one approach – smart de-cluttering.

http://www.archello.com/en/project/isbt-jaipur-design-competition

A performance by the 3rd Year Students of the National School of Drama, May 2022

Director-Amitesh Grover

Assistant Direction & Set Design - Sarthak Narula

Translation and Dramaturgy - Sarah Mariam

Music Composition & Piano - Almudena Longares

Costume - Urvashi Bhargava

Light Design by Rajesh Singh

Choreography - Aseng Borang

Set Consultant -Shaily Gupta

The play was performed at Abhimanch Auditorium, NSD, New Delhi in May 2022.

We were invited as stage consultants to assist and complete the director’s vision for their play. The director and the set designer already had clear idea of what they and their play required. It was an interesting challenge to harmonize their vision, add in the ‘order’ from our architectural profession and help them complete their set. It was very exciting to work with something temporal vs permanent structures, timeline was very short and to have creative professionals to discuss & collaborate with instead of clients and project managers.

A play for children and families

Stage design with Shena Gamat, 2018

WRITER:- MIKE KENNY

DIRECTOR- SHENA GAMAT

PRODUCTIONS- YELLOWCAT THEATRE CO.

Stepping Stones is an exciting performance specially crafted for viewing by 6-9 year olds and their families. It is grounded in the principles of theatre-in-education, and blends high quality theatre with opportunities for learning about the self and the world.

Stage design was an outcome of discussions with the director . It is designed as a traverse stage with the possibility of easy transport and flexibility to adapt to varied performance spaces. Stepping Stones has been designed such that it can be performed almost anywhere - a large room or hall or a small stage. This is a deliberate creative decision so that the play can be brought to its audience, and not the other way round.

Stage design for this play for children, 2017

WRITTEN by- Rahul Rai

DIRECTOR- Sukhesh Arora

PRODUCTIONS- YELLOWCAT THEATRE CO.

Revolving around the theme of climate change, the objective of the play is to stimulate the youth to think proactively and come up with workable solutions to real-world problems.

The play has grown out of a unique and intense process of collaboration. It is a story without a hero or heroine or a villain. It has two cockroaches, one chicken, a farmer, a young girl and two boys who are both subjects and objects- they act and are acted upon. None of them comes out a winner but all of them are losers to some degree. This unique theatre-in-education performance narrates the tale of people and other beings whose lives are affected in one way or another.