The Co-LABorative

The project received the first prize in International Design Competition hosted by Archmello.

The Co-LABorative is a journey where the line between a student and a professional fades  while they collectively share the knowledge that this abode offers. With the focus on this journey, various trails through different levels unfold through dense plantations and staggered courtyards into a contemporary interpretation of ancient water harvesting structures of India. Through dense foliage, the trail leads one to the central stepwell – the element of surprise. The central plaza provides an outdoor working space for the users, breaking free from the rigid notion of an office. Capturing the essence of a step-well, its different levels are used to amalgamate the surrounding spaces into a common interactive zone. Perched upon the wall overlooking the step-well, lies the “Cradle of Knowledge” i.e the library, under which the workshops and material labs are located which is a nurturing atmosphere for innovation and exploration.

One can meander through the open stilts where informal workspaces, cafes and other amenities are scattered amongst the landscaped courtyards. This acts as a link that connects the studios, freelancers, and students to create an intellectually stimulating environment based on communication and a sense of community. Built around this step-well, the studios and workspaces are accessed by these trails. The modular clusters of studios overlook the step-well and the plaza as interconnected terraces and courtyards perforate its mass, framing numerous views across the campus. Various staircases lead to these terraces at different levels providing each studio with an outdoor spill-out creating a micro-environment within the cluster.