The Hostel is a collage of spaces and volumes generated from a graphical diagram of lines – first multiplied, then spatialized and transformed through a series of actions. The design involves assembling the rooms into simple rectangular blocks comprising five rooms each, allowing for the control of volumes and scale. The spatial vocabulary evolves out of the dynamic action of these modular blocks. The resultant architecture is an assembled kit-of-parts where each block ‘swivels’, ‘hollows’, ‘slides’, or ‘stacks’ and plugs-in to a central public spine. These actions lend dynamism to the structure, juxtaposing it against the weighted forms of Indian Modernism.

A bold forest of concrete columns and filmic views of the surrounding landscape add to the feeling of frozen movement embedded in the architecture of the Hostel. The apparently random columns rise up to meet a patterned waffle slab which precariously supports the swivelled blocks; making the heavy forms feel as though suspended in air. The diamond pattern of the waffle is carefully worked out to balance structural rationality and a poetic sensibility. This visual dynamic sculpturally interlocks the patterned filigree of the revealed structure with the solid forms of the building. In addition, climatic and construction concerns have led to the introduction of another key graphical element – the concrete jali (screen). A traditional element is reinterpreted to cast a new jali in concrete, adapting traditional labour intensive processes to a mass fabrication technique. The structures are further punctuated through the use of earthy colours, and each modular block and a public path is coded by a specific colour.

The amalgamation of concepts of movement, positive-negative actions, publicness and community, create a dynamic and lightweight structure that simultaneously inculcates strong volumes and bold spaces. The architecture is strongly emotive taking on a whimsicality in the irregular placed columns, serenity in the telescopic views created by the porticos and fenestrations, filtering down to an ephemeral presence in the semi-translucent skin wrapping around the upper floors. Three such hostel blocks (two of type A and one of type B) come together with one common dining to form a cluster connected with a large central courtyard.

The inherent belief in space as a protagonist of architecture has led to the creation of common spaces of varying scale and character. These thread through the entire building as a strong narrative made up of vividly patterned shaded nooks, delicate terraces overlooking the landscape, dramatic overhangs, canopied areas, and multi-level arenas for students to occupy. It is these spaces that hold the spirit of the buildings, as students hang-out there sometimes to study but often to just have fun, taking back with them one hopes many more pleasant memories.