Name of project | Bangalore International Exhibition centre-IMTMA |
Location | Bangalore, Karnataka |
Project Type | Institutional |
client | Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers Association |
Year of completion | 2008 |
Built up area | 500000 sq.ft |
Plot area | 33 acres |
Contractor | Shapoorji Pallonji co. & Ltd |
Photography | Anand |
We have tried to understand the connection of site, sight, and insight. One of the things that we did when we visited the land was “listen to its stories”. We honestly feel that all sites have stories.
The dialogue was a conversation between us and the primary matter of the universe. It allowed us to understand issues like how the water moved on the land and how the contours flowed down the 11m fall from north to south. When we combined the two, it allowed us to impound six lakh gallons of water. We saved most of the trees in the beautiful grove and those that needed to move, we moved with great care and cost.
While we were working on the design of the roofs, some interesting things happened. We were honestly frustrated because all the designs that we had come up with were costing much more than what we could afford.
Our hands clasped in exasperation, ultimately turned out to be our design solution. The space between the palms gave us 60m of clear span. The fingers gave us the monitor roof from which we were able to flood the interiors with natural light. The display halls are large with a 60m span column free space, with the roof springing from 9m to 18m height. The entire facility is entered through a tensile roof plaza and houses a total of 40000 Sq. m of air-cooled and air-conditioned exhibition space spread over 3 halls including a large self-sufficient food court with three specialty restaurants apart from food stalls. The facility also includes a conference and training center.
Awards:
BIEC was certified as a green building by the USGBC ( US Green Building Council) for its energy efficient design in September 2008 and awarded as the best steel structure in India by INSDAG( Institute for Steel Development and Growth) for the year 2009.