CONTRASTING COMPOSITION

Situated on an abandoned industrial site, traces of the old sheds have been retained contrasting distinctly with the precise metal structure of the retail space.

- NIKITHA SUNIL VALLIKAD

Project: Go Native, Bangalore;

Architects: HUNDRED HANDS, Bangalore

This long structure bifurcates two heavy brick buildings which house the services and utilities (kitchen, storerooms, restrooms, staff areas, etc). The details and the overall structure are articulated to highlight this repeating theme of contrast.

In a detailed interview with A+D, the architects reveal and share thoughtful insights about their recently completed project 'Go Native', located in Bengaluru:

The very short but meaningful tagline of "Go Native' stores/cafes reads 'EAT + SHOP + CONNECT'. Did you relate to these three functions separately or as a whole while conceptualising the project? How was it articulated into the overall design?

We didn't really reflect on the tagline, but the project brief always asked for a place to unwind-generous, open, filled with light and air and flexible. We capitalised on the required setbacks and the linear character of the site, with the fortuitously placed existing trees, to create a sequence of enclosed, semi-enclosed and open spaces for passage and pause. This idea of putting together a composition of contrasting conditions is at the heart of the project. One is always encountering different conditions of enclosure, opacity, robustness, colour, stability and so on.

What were your very first thoughts about the site? What were your impressions about the existing trees/ plants? was it retained with specific purposes or was it a general conservation?