Hall of Nations: transposed
Designing Strategies for Resilience
Project Overview
The project aims to update the Hall of Nations in New Delhi, India, to better fit the local context. It focuses on strategies for resilience, bridging local and international interests while preserving its historical significance. The project relies on a comprehensive toolkit of strategies encompassing Economy, Vibrancy, Health, Mobility, Equity, and Ecology.
July-October 2018 • 12 weeks
My Contributions
Since this was an individual academic project, I conceptualized and implemented innovative design solutions that addressed complex challenges. My contributions encompassed research and creative problem-solving, resulting in impactful and sustainable design outcomes.
Incrementality in Architecture. Read essay here.
Problem
Located within the Pragati Maidan complex in New Delhi, the Hall of Nations was the largest of the four pavilions designed by Architect Raj Rewal for the Asia 72 international trade fair event. Prior to its demolition, the building hosted approximately 70 temporary national and international exhibitions annually. The future design proposal also embraces a similar programmatic ideology, targeting an audience occupying the site temporarily with no specific affiliations. Regrettably, the Hall of Nations struggled to establish a connection with its vibrant local context, contributing to its diminishing relevance over time.
Plan
Design Strategies: A Toolkit
Intersectional Infrastructures:
The toolkit strategies are conceptualized as an intersection of two planning principles, creating a holistic, multi-layered, and efficient framework. The design and policy interventions aim to tackle multiple issues identified at the Pragati Maidan site. By adhering to the toolkit, the redesign of the Hall of Nations can consider not only cost but also target groups and site-specific priorities.
Economy:
Supporting inclusive economic growth through open exhibitions, full employment, dignified local work, and accessible opportunities.
Vibrancy:
Creating a diverse, active, and 24/7 mixed-use environment that enables individuals to reach their maximum potential.
Mobility:
Providing convenient access to safe and affordable transportation, and enhancing road safety in and around Pragati Maidan.
Equity:
Promoting inclusivity, safety, and diversity in the community for women, youth, people with disabilities, the elderly, and LGBTQIA+ residents.
Health:
Expanding community resources to include sanitation and waste management systems to promote the overall wellness of residents.
Ecology:
Increasing access to safe green spaces, clean drinking water for community members, and emphasizing native ecologies.
Strategies
Key Stakeholders and Funding
Households:
Individual Investments and Community Action
Elected Government Officials and Government Departments
Grants-in-aid:
Central/State Development Programs
International Agencies
Government:
Tax Benefits
Civil Society Organizations:
Trade and Labor Organizations
Business Organizations
Welfare and Community Organizations
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Community Funded:
Seed Funding
Microcredit Financing
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Technical Partners:
Policy Think Tanks
Educational Institutions
International Aid Organizations
Urban Design Collectives
CSR Programmes
and P3 schemes
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Plan of Action
Future Vision
