YPCC Chanakya, New Delhi

Prismatic Glass Effect And Giant Canopy At YPCC Chanakya, New Delhi

The brief was to create the effect of prismatic glass in the main atrium. The entire journey was one of extreme patience and hard work, working continuously with the international and local architects, along with the client, to create a glass box with a jewel effect. Multiple mock-ups were done with the design progressing and improving at each stage. It required installing 300 jumbo glasses in a prismatic fashion across 3 levels, perfectly aligned in a linear and vertical fashion to create the complete effect. The glass had to be carefully sized, grooved, processed and laminated with special strength film to achieve the desired effect. The finishing of the joints had to be immaculately spot on and perfect.

In addition, the design was also to keep in mind the ease of replacement and maintenance in future. Therefore, instead of a solid embedded system for glass installation, a rigid and strong snap-on system was created.

After the initial design, a giant canopy as a design element was to be added, which had to complement the glass box with concealed cove lighting and the edges and lines of the same matching from end to end when broken into different squares as well. This required multiple materials to be integrated for the entire canopy to function as an integrated element – MS for structure, Galvum sheet with additional waterproofing and drainage for the reliable waterproof system, rockwool insulation with mesh and Calcium silicate board for acoustic insulation during rain and then Fire Retardant ACP for aesthetics. This required precision sheet metal engineering and working, which was achieved with proper design & engineering, immaculate planning, production in a controlled environment and installation under expert supervision.

The other important aspect during the finishing of the project was that the work was to be carried out using specialised access equipment and not scaffolding, as the building could not be scaffolded once OC was received. As a result, proper planning and choice of correct boomlifts to be hired were essential to complete the job as well as ensure proper finishing quality.

The essential ingredients of success were great teamwork, proper synchronisation between client, architect, façade consultant and contractors, great planning, and quality workmanship.