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Façades: The Interactive Element that Elevates Buildings

By: Ar. Gaurav Sanghavi & Ar. Harsh Pote, Pentaspace Design Studio

Buildings possess the charm to speak to their environment. Their surroundings include other buildings, people, the street, and the place as a whole. Amid the repetitive faces seen in the surrounding structures, a building with a distinct façade catches the eye. It then starts a dialogue between the occupants, the passersby, the rest of the buildings, and the street, and becomes a landmark in itself.

Pentaspace Design Studio, an architecture and design firm in Mumbai, creates distinct façade designs that become landmarks in the town. Gaurav Sanghavi and Harsh Pote, Partners, speak of a few of their projects that define Pentaspace’s distinct signature.

FAÇADE AS AN INTERACTIVE MEDIUM

Nestled in the heart of the city lies a stunning architectural masterpiece that captures the essence of the surroundings and creates discourse. Rainforest, a residential complex located in the Marol area of Mumbai, is situated amidst the lush rainforest trees that offer stunning views of Powai Lake and Aarey Colony. Pentaspace has taken inspiration from nature itself to create a replica of its surrounding landscape that blends seamlessly with its environment and provides an oasis of calm amidst the hustle-bustle of the city.

The earthy tones used in the façades, landscape elements, and drop-off canopies beautifully reflect the natural beauty of the rainforest. The drop-off areas have been designed as tree canopies, making visitors feel as though they are entering a forest.

“We translated the foliage as a design feature and made it an integral part of the design where the architectural language reflects the natural surroundings. More than an acre of land was landscaped on Mother Earth with the theme of the Amazon rainforest,” says Gaurav.

The site of the complex was heavily contoured and the area was covered with dense rainforest trees that had to be retained. The architects had to achieve a balance between retaining the most number of trees on the site and providing a wide vista for the eleven residential towers, so, the buildings were planned in a staggered manner to adapt to the topography.

Capturing the essence of the Amazon rainforest, the complex’s design is aesthetically pleasing and offers residents a unique living experience that is both tranquil and luxurious.

FAÇADE AS A LANDMARK

The Chambers building in Andheri is a marvel of architecture that stands tall and proud in the bustling Chakala commercial area. Its unique form has earned it the title of the ‘Jewel of the suburban business district’. The diamond-shaped building reaches angularly for the sky, a result of several challenges faced during the design process.

One of the biggest challenges faced by the architects was the odd-shaped, curvilinear plot on which the building was to be constructed. Other challenges included the ongoing Metro rail construction along the adjoining road, modifications in municipal and construction rules, and height restrictions.

The site’s unusual shape posed significant difficulties for the designers, who had to come up with innovative solutions to make the most of the available space.

They decided to turn the building elevation diagonally north-west at a 45-degree angle, which opened it up to the busy highway and the surrounding cityscape.

The building, which catches the eye during the day, stands in its full glory in the dark hours as well. The striking LED strip around the edges of the diamond glows brightly in the night sky, making it a shining landmark for the surrounding area and giving a unique identity to the region.

A FAÇADE THAT MERGES WITH THE LOCAL SURROUNDING

The residential project Aroha in Borivali is a perfect example of how architecture and design can be inspired by the rich cultural heritage of a place. The design of the building is inspired by the nearby Kanheri Caves, which have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pentaspace has integrated aspects of Buddhism into the design, creating a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also evocative of the historical significance of the area.

As inhabitants enter, they are greeted by lobbies adorned with carvings depicting the story of Buddha, directly reproduced from the Kanheri Caves. The history and significance of the area are carried into every aspect of the design. These carvings also help to create a sense of continuity between the past and present, reminding visitors of the rich cultural heritage that surrounds them.

Natural stones are used for wall cladding and flooring, which adds to the aesthetic appeal of the building. The long drop-off canopy with cutouts is a unique feature that allows natural light to penetrate through the entire space and emulate Buddha’s teachings. The flooring on the podium level and the landscape area are made of stamped concrete that resembles a cave floor.

“The caves narrate a story, and Aroha has been designed in a way to create a micro-environment for its inhabitants amidst the concrete jungle by amalgamating the cave architecture features into modern architecture, to inculcate a sense of awareness and curiosity of the heritage grandeur present in the vicinity,” says Harsh.

Rainforest, Chambers, and Aroha show the ways in which buildings become the representation of the locality. The frontage of a building is a crucial element of its architecture; it sets the tone for what is inside and gives passersby a glimpse of what to expect. Pentaspace Design Studio has made this part a focus of their style that leaves an impression on the minds of visitors as well as the whole city.