Reflection: A Book Studio by the Water

           Raised above the bank of the river Vishwamitri, is the book studio at Kamati Baug, Baroda. The brief was to design a pavilion for about fifteen people, where the space has two primary functions- to store books and offer spaces for reading and respite. Owing to the site location which is a low hilltop cascading down to the river, there were many opportunities for the pavilion to offer an experience of being close to the water. Stemming from the concept of introvert and extrovert spaces, the plan was evolved to choreograph a journey, to and around the river. The ramp invites one in, making the journey exciting while offering playful glimpses of the river. One can browse through the in built shelves in the walls, reach the reading space that offers a view of the river from the hilltop. The spiral then guides one into the introverted space on the ground floor for an undisturbed introspective reading. The tower doubles as a periscope, keeping the connect with the river in tact. Further in the journey, the compression suddenly releases into an amphitheatre, embedded within the contours. An open space to be close to the water, ends the promising journey by bringing one as close as possible to the river. Developed on the principles of design that evolved from the various iterations of space making based on axiality, centrality and hierarchy. Each element, like walls, columns, roofing and the levels used were decided upon the effect they have on the overall feel of the space.