Reinterpreting the idea of ‘place making’: Adaptive reuse of an industrial building
In a city steeped in the industrial legacy, Ahmedabad's architectural narrative unfolds with echoes of modernist visionaries like Louis Kahn and Le Corbusier. Their influence, manifested in iconic structures commissioned by local mill owners, has defined the cityscape's identity. Today, amidst the urban complexity of Ahmedabad, the adaptive reuse of a once-dilapidated canteen block within a manufacturing plant, dealing with agricultural water pumps, stands as a tribute to blending modernist heritage with contemporary needs.
Compartment S4 embarked on repurposing a neglected canteen block dating back to the 1970s. The decision to transform this structure into office space symbolizes a departure from its former role while honoring its architectural legacy. Retaining the building's original geometric form, characterized by an inverted beam roof and an abundance of concrete—a hallmark of modernist design. The idea of using Mild Steel(MS) as a primary element was to imbibe reusability since it is a dismantlable structure by design. Their approach blended spatial reuse with innovation, respecting the building's aesthetic heritage while adapting it to contemporary demands. The project aimed not only to restore the ‘place’ of the canteen block but also to redefine its role within the industrial complex.
Retaining the original outer walls, the redesign prioritized Vastu-compliant circulation, shifting the entrance from its former southern orientation to face east. The kitchen block building is replaced by a courtyard. It is a very significant design decision in this project, both spatially and philosophically. In an industrial setting, honoring a legacy often involves celebrating the people who work within it. The reuse of an obsolete kitchen space as a courtyard becomes a commemoration of placemaking and community support. By repurposing these spaces, it not only meets the building's new functional needs but also respects the historical significance of the old space while maintaining a deep reverence for the memories associated with the original structure. In essence, it transforms the physical environment into a meaningful continuation of its legacy, fostering connectivity and a sense of belonging among those who inhabit and interact with it.
Upon entering, one is greeted by lush foliage of the courtyard alongside admin space and the waiting area, creating a refreshing contrast to the otherwise utilitarian industrial environment. The courtyard surprises visitors with an unexpected abundance of greenery. The directors cabins on either side at the back are separated by a common meeting room that looks into the courtyard. To further accentuate the center, a newly constructed inverted hip roof which is a wing like metal structure that is cantilevered from the courtyard, evidently takes inspiration from the original roof system. The space brings in more natural light through ribbon windows on all four sides. Additionally, a band of stone chip plaster applied to the exteriors serves a dual purpose: aesthetic enhancement that complements the ribbon windows above, and practical functionality by preventing water seepage.
Departing from conventional factory aesthetics, custom-made furniture tailored to specific needs is crafted onsite.The interiors embrace a basic color scheme of black, white, and gray, complemented by warm wood accents like door handles. Black granite flooring and white checkered marble bring a quirk, while the gray MS structure blends subtly into the background. Insulated PUF panels on the ceilings ensure a comfortable environment while the transparent walls promote a seamless, open atmosphere, allowing the courtyard to visually extend into each space, fostering connectivity and a sense of openness throughout the reimagined office environment.
Beyond mere aesthetic or historical fidelity, the approach to this project prioritizes repurposing existing spaces which are inherently sustainable, functionally efficient, and socio-culturally significant, thereby enriching the workplace human experience and fostering meaningful connections between individuals and their built environments.
