Akshardhara Book Gallery
The Site
The site is a commercial space in the heart of the Pune city abutting the famous Bajirao road. Four shops are merged together to form a single floor plate of 73.15 Sq.m. carpet area on the ground floor and 37.29 Sq.m. carpet area on mezzanine floor.
The Design
The main entrance to the site is on its south, flanked by a prominent Bodhi (Pipal) tree inspiring the whole design process of the project. The open to sky entrance lobby is designed as a Katta allowing visitors to read, discuss under the shadow of Bodhi tree. The flooring pattern directs the visitors to the main gallery of the shop. The main gallery featuring abstract forms of Bodhi tree is designed to cut off the visitors from the outside world creating ambience to help them concentrate their reading and shopping. There are two mini galleries on the mezzanine floors opposite to each other displaying some exclusive range of books. Another part of mezzanine floor is designed as a store room.
Materials and Techniques
Mild steel, Cement, Sand, Aggregates, Weld mash, Chicken mesh, Brass, Glass, Stainless steel, Teak wood, Plywood, Vineers, Laminates, Stones
The internal shell is created in ferro-cement.
