Sculptural Enigma

By FinchD

Photography:

Read Time: 2 mins

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Designed by Anagram Architects for multi-media artist Anita Dube, Artrovert is a 280sq. m. studio, conceived as a shared working space for artists...

Located at the fringe of Greater Noida in a suburban artists’ colony, the studio space is conceptualised as a space to accommodate artists for short stays, while simultaneously shedding the metaphorical boundaries to create a congenial community. As a reflection of the artist’s work, the studio has an avant-garde design approach, denouncing the conventional reclusive model associated with artists’ work spaces.

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The ground floor, which constitutes the workspace, is an expansive volume, effectuating an experiential space. The enigmatic form of the building further contributes to this experience, and the unflagging character of the spaces accommodates the sometimes disruptive processes of art-making. Overlooking the studio is a study on the mezzanine, while the top floor and the rear end of the ground floor are reserved as residential zones. Balancing the large volumes are spill-out spaces in the forms of lawns, also used as make-believe screening spaces.   

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The cryptic nature of the design is manifested in the overall layout, while bands of distressed concrete and ceramic mosaic are used to establish continuity throughout the structure. The design is characterised by a plethora of tractable versatile elements, which include the armature and the panels, which constitute its core. The grey armature, which frames one end of the building not only accommodates the art work, but also transforms into a circulation core.

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The swivelling panels display the artworks not just in the interior spaces but also in the exterior to the public. Furthermore, the mural on the exterior accommodates multiple configurations of individual panels. “Thus the design hopes to offer multiple views and varying perspectives through a multilevel space formed as a conversation between binaries,” explains Vaibhav Dimri of Anagram Architects.   

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In addition, the panels also function as brise soleils, providing shade against the harsh sun, by virtue of their depth, when rotated. Furthermore, slits along the height of the building aid in venting the warm air.

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Much like the portmanteau “Artrovert”, the building itself is a conceptual portmanteau, with multi-faceted components and a mysterious form, which creates a sense of inquisitiveness for the visitors and users alike. The dynamic quality of the elements thus renders a sculptural value to the building. 

Fact File:

Client: Anita Dube

Design Firm: Anagram Architects 
Design team: Madhav Raman, Vaibhav Dimri

Area: 280 sq. m. 

Location: Gurgaon (UP)