S NINE is a multifunctional co working space in the heart of Pune, in a context where developers are on the prowl to exploit the commercial viability of development by adopting a conformist structure enveloped in a glass box which fails to address the aspirations and dynamic requirements of the user.
The project aims to develop:
• Sensitive and multifunctional design which is responsive to its surrounding and the end user.
• An architectural vocabulary that is timeless and evolved from the ethos of the place and is rooted in the loci physically and culturally.
The architecture is abstracted as an active organism that can breathe, mutate, transform through seasons and also at the will of the end user, by both its use and expression.
In present context buildings with glass envelop result in nature deficit dull environment for the surrounding and the user. In earlier times, most of the buildings in Pune had planters protruding on the streets. It depicted a unique celebration of life with nature in transitional spaces like balconies and windows.
This aspiration has been adopted in the design to create a nostalgia of having plants by the window which can be touched, felt and watered from inside to create a distinct bond with users. These planters bring life to the internal environment and create a sense of belonging for the user of the space. The external neighbourhood turns lively with the natural planter fenestration. The semi permeable natural skin serves dual purpose of planters and a shading device to the building.
In response to the worldwide spread of air-tight, fully glazed buildings, that in countries like India can largely fail to meet occupant’s expectations and comfort requirements, the S-Nine suggests an efficient and environmentally conscious envelope for hot semi-arid climates. The envelope uses of 25mm thick slabs of natural red sandstone, assembled so as to create a grid of planters and fenestrations. In this way, the vegetation becomes a distinctive part of the building skin.
The vertical space of outer envelope is divided into smaller concrete module. Vertical stone fins with planters are organically arranged on each of these concrete modules. Modular division makes the construction easier, since the stone fins are locally crafted by hand on site. Modular division also creates an illusion of scale in the elevation.
A unique type of structural innovation is evolved through combining structure and services. The stone fins stand only on two vertical metal members that also have water supply and discharge system through them. The façade grid is independent from the main building structure, allowing for a wide flexibility in terms of pattern and composition. Peripheral column system is adopted for flexible and multifunctional use of the interior space. Additionally, each floor has a special service corridor to facilitate services.
The asymmetric design and arrangement of planters make a visual pattern which is complete in itself further, it gets enhanced with plants. The organic arrangement of red sandstone and foliage colours weave together to form a composition which is soothing to the eyes of the viewer. The outer envelope acts like a skin which changes naturally over the time.
In longer run the stone fenestration is changeable. Here the concrete frames are permanent members and the stone fins with planters can be removed. Maintaining the stone fins independence from the main structure gives the building the freedom to modify its overall architectural expression.
Instead of creating huge glass envelopes, Indian natural red sandstone was selected for outer skin, for its key features like water absorption, durability, tough built and quality to outlast artificial materials. Stone sizing has been designed to minimize the wastage of stone. The wastage of stone is utilised in parking floor and compound walls.
The water and liquid fertilizer is supplied to each planter with drip system by gravity. Modular design has made the planters easily accessible for maintenance from individual floors. The fins create a semi permeable envelope around the building in a way to obtain diffused light in the interior for most part of the day. Diffused rays through planters also reduce the overall heat gain inside the building.
The stone envelope, railing, partition walls are crafted on site with the local stone worker team by avoiding high tech imported systems, fostering a circular economy. Along with outer stone envelope, the railing at S Nine is also designed in stone, which is a sandwich of two stones with a stainless steel support in the middle. For the partitions of toilets and store rooms, 20mm thick slabs of basalt stone were used. A finished surface can be achieved once the stone has been installed, saving space and cost.
Further, Sculpture at entrance lobby “Deepstambh”, is an exploration of traditional craft forms into the new era, offering growth and opportunities for the local artisans. The Deepstambh is made out of interlocking modules which decrease in size along with height. Modules make it easier to hand craft, transport, and assemble it on the site.
The site sits amidst a rapid sprawl of glass boxes, a result of misinterpreted definition of urbanization. Inclusion of structures that incorporate nature is a way to connect people to their surroundings while creating a visually pleasing built environment. S Nine is a small step toward creating a green urban neighbourhood.
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