Context
The Lutyen’s Bungalow Zone is a heritage precinct in New Delhi, situated on Kasturba Gandhi Marg, connecting India Gate with Connaught Place. Originally intended for princely states during British rule, the site features low-rise masonry buildings amidst old-growth trees. The design respects these trees, creating a precedent for future architecture in the area. Post-independence, Delhi’s architecture fused Indo-Saracenic styles with stone as the primary material, reflecting governmental permanence.
Concept
Key Ideas:
Tree Preservation: The design defers to existing trees, with the building’s form and elevation responding to their layout.
Transparency Metaphor: Symbolizes a shift from opaque governance to openness.
Design Features:
Structural Innovation: A roof truss system suspends office “pods” like stalactites, denser at the top (inverting conventional hierarchy).
Spatial Organization:
Lower floors: Public domain (ground floor) and high-echelon offices (visible to foster trust).
Upper floors: Staff workspaces in 7.5×7.5x4m cubes, interconnected to symbolize national unity.
Materiality: Extensive use of glass to emphasize transparency.
Team
Siddharth Shirur- Design Partner
Gandhali Marathe- Architect
Mahendra Raj Consultants- Concrete
Thornton Tomassetti- Steel Structure-Bob Sinn, Misam Iman, John Peronto
Environmental Systems Design- MEP – Mehdi Jalayerian
Swarandeep Singh- Liason Architect
Project Data
Building Type: Government (National Tax Headquarters)
Sustainability: GRIHA Gold (Indian LEED equivalent)
Location: New Delhi, India
Site Area: 22,871 m²
Project Area:
Super-structure: 45,742 m²
Sub-structure: 22,871 m²
Client: Ministry of Finance, Government of India
Completion Year: 2019 (Scheduled/ On Hold) | Bid Negotiations: March 2015
Construction Cost: $89.17 Million (April 2019)
Recognition:
Winner of National/International Design Competition (with Vistaar Architects)
Award from the President of India
HUDCO Design Awards 2018 Green Buildings
Published in Indian Architect and Builder Magazine, SSMB steel structures book