International Court of Arbitration, Gandhinagar

Cut 5 meters into the ground, the unbuilt project was designed inspired by  Jewish Psalm 50: Truth rises from the Earth, and Justice reflects from Heaven. The project attemps to exhibit monumentality and spatial organization inspired by the works of Louis Kahn while creating a building that responds contextually and climatically to its new site i.e. Gandhinagar. Owing to its hot and dry climate in contrast to the cold climate of Jerusalem, the project aims to become a public institution that provides a breathing and comfortable environment in the hot Indian climate. Thus, Safdie’s massive pillars are envisioned as a sea of wind towers which provide cool air inside the building or become pavilions of contemplation. Safdie’s vision of integrating gardens, following a strong spatial grid and creating a dynamic play of light in the space have also been explored via this project