Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects

Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects - Exterior Photography, BrickNandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects - Interior Photography, Facade, Brick, ConcreteNandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects - Exterior Photography, Brick, Facade, ConcreteNandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects - Exterior Photography, Brick, Facade, ConcreteNandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects - More Images+ 14

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Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects - Exterior Photography, Brick, Facade, Concrete
© Javier Callejas

Text description provided by the architects. Set in a residential area of rapidly urbanizing Pondicherry, the new library building is realized as a social infrastructure facilitated through the social organization Nandalal Sewa Samithi.

Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects - Exterior Photography, Brick, Facade, Concrete
© Javier Callejas
Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects - Image 17 of 19
Ground Floor Plan
Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects - Interior Photography, Facade, Brick, Concrete
© Javier Callejas

Affordability being a key consideration, the library is a construction built in locally made, exposed bricks, which would stand out as an institutional building in the context of the plastered and painted masonry construction of the surrounding houses and apartment buildings.

Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects - Interior Photography, Concrete
© Javier Callejas

The roof profile represents the ‘open book’, as do the screening elements conceived in ferrocement technology symbolizing constant progress through knowledge. The orthogonal walls on the upper floor lean outwards towards the top like a crown, as the building aims to serve the community and invest in its empowerment by encouraging reading and learning.

Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects - Exterior Photography, Brick
© Javier Callejas

As land is limited by the residential plot sizes, the terrace upstairs is designed to compensate for this by providing the necessary open space for contemplation and informal outdoor events. The inclusiveness of this facility is demonstrated by the inclusion of Braille books for the visually impaired. This particular feature is reflected architecturally in the way a Braille typeface is integrated into the building elements to create porous patterns in the brickwork, screens and ceiling.

Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects - Exterior Photography, Brick
© Javier Callejas
Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects - Image 14 of 19
Section EE

Light patterns in the form of Braille texts leave their imprint on the interior spaces so that those who can see are visually aware of the language of those who cannot see, and thus increase their sensitivity to the differently abled.

Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade
© Javier Callejas

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Project location

Address:Puducherry, India

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library / Anupama Kundoo Architects" 02 May 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/952783/nandalal-sewa-samithi-library-anupama-kundoo-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© Javier Callejas

印度多孔图书馆 / Anupama Kundoo Architects

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