When architects Nischal Abaykumar and Jesal Pathak of M9 Design Studio decided to participate in the design competition for building a memorial for the renowned Kannada actor Dr. Vishnuvardhan, their first thought was to come up with a space that not only pays homage but also one that elicits multiple reflections and reminiscences. Essentially, they looked at creating a space that would facilitate public gatherings and interactions, not just on a specific date in a calendar year but consistently throughout the year. The 5-acre site allotted for the memorial is in the suburbs of Mysuru, with funding received from the government of Karnataka for the memorial trust.
In keeping with their intent on winning the competition, the duo designed a structure that permitted the public, especially the less privileged, to use the space throughout the year.
Incidentally, this intent was also in keeping with the strong sentiments expressed by the memorial trust to give back to the community, an ideology that was deeply entrenched with Dr. Vishnuvardhan, who had been intensely service-oriented. The intervention that thence ensued was confined to only 2.5 acres of the site, “as we decided to leave the other half to evolve naturally based on requirements that may arise in the future”, states Jesal.
Given the functional intent, the programme for the structure adopted is one of closed and open spaces. The memorial also houses a state-of-the-art auditorium for the general public, performing artists, and “for government school children who are given free access to the facilities.” A set of classrooms is also located next to this auditorium for the use of school children when needed. A café to serve refreshments also features alongside the office spaces for the memorial’s functioning.
A circular form
The main structure of the memorial is designed in a circular form that weaves around the altar where the actor’s ashes are placed. This circular outer ring of exposed concrete displays the life journey of Dr. Vishnuvardhan in the form of videos and photographs, along with select famous quotes from his over 200 films. A continuous vent runs between this circular wall and its roof to let in abundant natural light that negates the need for artificial lighting. The washing of the walls by the filtering in sunlight creates an interesting drama of light and shadow as the day progresses.
The circular wall, with its interior display of the actor’s journey, also has strategically placed openings that enable the visitor to exit into the core of the memorial, which houses the altar, which overlooks a water body. In recall of the actor’s favourite colour, the metal columns and the exit doors are painted yellow.
Striking an emotional chord
“The exits are strategically placed so that the visitor, after perusing through the interior displays on Dr. Vishnuvardhan, can step out to the altar where the waterbody and the semi-circular meditative steps around it permit them to reflect and pay their silent homage”, states Nischal. “The silence and stillness that greets the visitor in this inner circle is reverential and strikes an emotional chord with the visitors, prompting many to return with moist eyes”, adds Jesal.
A life-size sculpture of the omnipresent bangle that the actor was seen with finds its place at the centre of this waterbody as a strong reminiscing feature. Complementing this presence are his famous quotes inscribed on the walls around this open sky courtyard and waterbody.
As a strong connection to the greens, the circular concrete walls house a green roof where the vegetation resonates with the paddy fields in the neighbourhood, “which have been a source of inspiration.”
The green roof further keeps the interiors naturally cool, the dripping down greens designed to eventually shroud the structure and conceal the concrete after some time.
The earthy contrast
In contrast to the material language of the cold concrete is a semi-circular vibrant brick jaali partition wall that segregates the rectangular auditorium from the altar. The perforated brick wall features folds where it is designed to demarcate the individual sections in the intermittent spaces where displays can be made. This section also houses the classrooms and the admin office spaces of the memorial trust besides the café. The changing rooms supporting the auditorium carry the same language as bricks.
A small amphitheatre is also fused under a cantilevered roof to facilitate short discussions, mini-performances, and gatherings. “This segment becomes the bridge between the memorial and the 240-seater auditorium”, adds Jesal. Enhancing the vibrant presence of the brick walls is the traditional red oxide flooring and the dramatic play of light and shadow during the day that comes about through the wall perforations.
The interiors of the auditorium, too, come with a lively design, the colours elevating, the space serving to be much sought after not only by the public hiring it but also the government school children who frequent it. “These school children have no access to such prime facilities. The auditorium, along with the demarcating brick segment, become almost a social leveller, something that Dr Vishnuvardhan strove to achieve while espousing the cause of the underprivileged”, points Nischal.
The project recently was the winner of the prestigious KOHLER Bold Design Award under the Public Institution category.
Published - December 27, 2024 07:17 pm IST
