AR.
BALAKRISHNA
VITHALDAS DOSHI..
ABOUTH THE ARCHITECT
Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi is
an Indian architect , who is
Considered an important figure
of South Asian architecture and
Is noted for his unforgettable
contributions to the evolution of
Architectural discourse in India.
In recognition of his distinguished
contribution , Dr. B V.Doshi has
received several international &
National awards & honours like
Padma Shri & Honorary
Doctorate from the university of
Pennysylvania . Sangath is a fragment of Doshi's private
dream. He is known for his contributions to the
architecture of IIMB , CEPT , National institute of fashion
INFORMATON
ABOUT STRUCTURE
SANGATH means “moving together through
participation.”
It is an architect office
Location: Thaltej Road, Ahmedabad, Gujarath.
Client: Balkrishna Doshi
Period of construction: 1979-1981
Project Engineer: B.S. Jethwa, Y. Patel
Site area: 2346 m2
Total Built-up Area: 585 m2
Project Cost: Rs. 0.6 Million ( 1981 ).
It covers a wide range of activities including
research by the Vastu-Shilpa Foundation, funded by
the Doshi company.
DESIGN CONCEPT AND FEATURES
Design concerns of climate ( temperature or humidity
or sunlight).
Extensive use of vaults
Main studio partly below the ground (sunken)
Very less use of mechanical instrument
Special materials are used resulting in a low cost
building
Lot of vegetation & water bodies
Continuity of Spaces
Use of lot of diffused sunlight
Complete passive design
Grassy steps which Doshi uses as informal
Amphitheatre
PLAN Design studio
Entrance court
Conference Reception
Workshop
Meeting
Multi-purpose Engineers
space
Plan of studios
Forecourt
Pond
Entrance court
Reception
Architects office
Design studio
Conference
Engineers
Studio
Library
Amphitheatre
Workshops
Toilets
Sangath buildings complex, a set of domes and flat roofs
at different heights at different angles juxtaposed (placed side
by side) occupy an area of 473m2 within 2.425m2 fully
walled rectangular field. The building complex is built
around a large courtyard terrace which is the main
entrance. Some of the buildings have sunk below ground
level to certain ceilings domes rise only to eye level.
•Main entrance
Passing through the main entrance, the visitor down some
stairs into a room covered by a dome and the option to
climb a flight of stairs to a height of three levels or go
through a small hallway to the office of Doshi is presented
and main drafting room. In this part of the building the
ceiling plane rises creating enclaves of multiple heights,
complementing and releasing between them.
The bottom of the vault in the hall of writing is topped
with concrete natural light scattering in space. At the end
thereof an opening which can be appreciated from the
entry site visitor makes sense to recover its location along
the main axis.
In the entrance courtyard fountain
surrounded by dividing pools are located at
ground level and landscaped terraces.
Some of the outer surfaces of the yard
including arched ceilings are coated with
irregular pieces of white tiles.
Perpendicular to this wing a block of four units is added,
also vaulted. The two units are facing the entrance
courtyard feature a triple height and house on the ground
floor architectural design office, a conference room,
lounge and a service area. In the first and second floor
spaces of
Vastu- Shilpa Foundation and the guest area are located.
The design studios are in a double height volume topped
by two domes. Including a space with flat roof allows
natural light until the end of the vaulted areas.
F Floor
Plan
G Floor Sec
Account Design studio
Conference
section Services
hall Entrance court
•Amphitheater
One result of the reintroduction of traditional values is the
outdoor amphitheater used for conferences and other
meetings.
Structure and materials
With the help of a mobile formwork vaults “Sangath”
were constructed with hollow clay tiles embedded in the
walls. The outer skin is covered with tiles fragmented
pieces of waste material from a manufacturer. Doshi used
this traditional technique not only to reduce the heat
inside the building but also as an important element of
the methodology in the use of waste material.
The hollow interior spaces are isolated by clay within the
structure. The sun’s heat is reduced grassy mounds and
reflective white mosaics that cover each vault. Natural
light filters into the interior spaces during the day, while
the moon is reflected in ponds and around the porcelain
tile overnight.
The structural system is based on poles and combined
beams with reinforced concrete slabs. In the recesses of
the vaults of the upper floors, iron and concrete have
been used with high insulation materials such as filling
with brickwork. The facades are covered with tiles or
cement and plaster.
The interiors are characterized by their different shapes
and light into different directions. The decor is based on
building materials, with the exhibition of prints formwork
in concrete ceilings, contrasting with the soft and smooth
Sangath also hopes Balkrishna Doshi create a
connection between nature and the individual. The
general form exaggerate the details of nature with its
rolling hills, spaces such as caves, terraced land and
water channels with reflective surfaces, which recall the
Salk Institute of Louis Khan. Rainwater is channeled
through the vaults smooth, round and deposited in the
troughs
LIGHTENING:
- Upper level large opening-facing
north.
- Skylights as projected massed
from the roof.
- Small cut-outs on roof slab
- filled with hollow glass blocks.
ISHING:
e concrete of slabs & wall surfaces are kept unplastere
hina mosaic glazed tiles.
- Enhances insulation.
- Retard heat transmission as they are made up of cla
E OF WASTE MATERIAL:
ving material is a stone chip waste while roof surface
zed tiles waste.
ey have been carefully handcrafted &integrated into
esign by fully using the waste products, which also
romotes craftsmen and traditional heritage
WATER CHANNELS:
•Water from fountain , rainwater & overflow of
pumped water
run through a series of cascading tanks and water
channels to finally culminate in a pond.
LANDSCAPE:
Maintained microclimate.
1. Vegetation.
2. Water bodies
Amphitheatre with grassy steps.
Terracotta pots and sculpture
lying in the compound.
….
YOU
A N K
TH
