Rajarhat Bus Terminus, Kolkata

South City, Kolkata

Hiland Park, Kolkata

As the demand for housing increased in Kolkata, this project was realized as the natural outcome of the forces of premium land values, the emergence of a booming real estate industry and the thumping pace of globalization. As people started paying premium prices for their residences, they started to demand commensurate premium-level facilities as well as part of their purchase price. Land parcels within the city were becoming much less readily available, which resulted in the acquisition of larger tracts of land on the city fringes and further beyond. No specific landuse regulations existed for these sites or of the neighbourhood. Often isolated in nature, these land parcels necessitated the provision of a gated and self-sufficient development, providing a haven of security for its residents.

Hiland Park situated in Chak Garia of the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass is one of the first developments of its kind in Kolkata, and the flagship project of its developer, and as such no specific constraints were laid down by them. The space programming was left entirely to the discretion of the architect. Furthermore, as neighbourhood sites were vacant, the builtform was not dictated by any surrounding contextual elements.

The complex comprises nine towers, the tallest being 27 stories, housing nearly 1000 residential units comprising standard apartments, duplexes and penthouses. Ancillary facilities included community hall, tennis/basketball/volleyball and squash courts, jogging tracks, gymnasium and a swimming pool. The residents of Hiland Park are primarily of the upper income group which has resulted in less of a variety in terms of typologies. Parking has been accommodated in semi-basement levels and on podiums, which has assured the removal of eyesores in the form of ground level parking lots.

Commercial Complex, Haldia

Rose Valley, a multifaceted concern has forayed into the real estate market in recent times. Currently it has taken up the development of a commercial venture. The endeavor being to create a state of the art multi-facility commercial complex.
The site selected for the project is located in Haldia. It is situated at the junction of NH41 and a 20m wide road.

The premium location almost demands the creation of a signature landmark which has the potential to draw in a huge crowd from Haldia and the surroundings, leading to the success of this venture.
The design of the complex has been developed from the client’s brief and site appraisal. There is  a definite requirement to create a destination of  shopping, entertainment for hi-end clientele generated through growth of industries in and around this area. There is scope for providing a hotel block catering to bussiness travelers. Significant development of Nayachowk in Durgapur has ushered in a trend of commercial development in these zones. A state-of-the-art campus combining a multitude of functions will ensure a substantial revenue generation throughout the year.
The architectural vocabulary of the mall would be in keeping with the present trends and yet would move away from the lifeless entities rendered in absence of proper interaction of external and internal spaces. The ultimate aim would be to create a unique identity of this campus.
The final design program of the complex  that has been developed comprises of the following features:
 The mall…

•  A Hypermarket having an area of approximately 1400 sq.m/15000 sq .ft
• Anchor Shop with an approx. area of 1250 sq.m/13500 sq.ft
• Vanilla shops, approximately 18 shops of varying areas
• Specific zones earmarked for setting up kiosks in the shopping floors.
• A food court and specialty restaurants, arranged in a well laid out format.
• A four screen multiplex of 1000 seating capacity.
• A green market, which would sell farm fresh vegetables in the morning session and would wrap up activities by 10/11. 00 am and the same zone would be used as a “chaat corner” with kiosks selling fruits and flowers during the evening. This would be one of the major USP’s of this complex.

The Hotel…
It would be of 4 star category with facilities at par with the best in the industry. The towering block would facilitate some grand views of the river. The main facilities provided :

• A Banquet hall for approx 300 people
• A club with a health facility comprised of a gymnasium,  bar and restaurant                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         roof top swimming pool
• Hotel rooms…approximately 120 rooms accommodated in the tower rising above the club level.
•  Uppermost levels of hotel block accommodate suites.

Landscaping…

• The building surroundings landscaped suitably balancing soft and hard elements, of greenery, water bodies and paved areas.
• Selected ornamental and flowering trees used in suitable areas.

Kolkata Gate

• City gateways are the most visible and iconic presence of an urban development and the proposed Gateway of Kolkata is no exception.
•  In most cases, these gateways are only glorified structures for the movement of traffic beneath and around its portals. They are subjected to only a fleeting glance from busy passer byes.
•  However, the Gateway of Kolkata has been envisaged as a popular recreational destination and an intense hive of activity. This would cement its status as Kolkata’s face as  well as proving economic self- sustenance.
•  The primary function is that of a repository of a slice of Bengal’s vast heritage to be passed down through the ages. Aspects of Bengal’s evolution in the post independence era, in the sphere of culture and politics will be highlighted through exhibitions and performances  within its envelope.
•  The role of the gateway as a cultural hub within surrounding greenery has inspired the form of the structure.  Similar to a cluster of trees, the three central towers have elevated exhibition and gallery spaces.
• The projecting galleries at the upper levels are conceptualized as an homage to the Almighty in thanksgiving for the celebration of life being enacted below.
• The gateway complex is conceptualized as a cluster of palm trees rising to different heights, an imagery of the South Bengal landscape. The flaring “tree tops” will house galleries and exhibition areas.
•  The architecture has been endowed with a sculptural form which will stand out against  the mundane  heterogeneous neighbourhood.
•  All the elements are linked together through a play of form, texture and light with jagged edges , hidden niches , projecting walls and floating glass boxes juxtaposed with brutal exposed concrete surfaces.
•  The towers are bound by inter connecting open air plazas and arenas that will be the prime activity court during fair weather and in the evenings.
•  The form , though not overpoweringly monumental will have enough presence to reinforce its position and leave an imprint on the visitors mind.

North Bengal Gate

•   North Bengal is truly a treasure trove, a hidden gem in West Bengal providing a heavenly escape from the hustle bustle of modern city life.
•   The geographical diversity blended with the cultures of different ethnic groups has made North Bengal one of the most treasured tourist destinations in India.
•   The capital of North Bengal, Siliguri, has developed in leaps and bounds and hence the ‘Gateway to North Bengal’ is a much awaited and significant addition to the city skyline.
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•  The gateway is conceived of as a magnanimous three-dimensional presence rather than a two-dimensional lamina, befitting of its locational and functional significance.
•   The design and location of the gateway is notional; it is taken to be located on the NH2, straddling an overall road width of 24m.
•  The gateway is a celebration of steel, taking inspiration from the Coronation bridge in Darjeeling.  The elephant motif has been used in a symbolic and stylized manner as representative of North Bengal.
•    The sculptural visual presence of the gateway has been further emphasized by the judicious use of materials. Rectangular steel sections, glass and stainless steel mesh elements have been used, together providing a contemporary option, yet fused in places with ethnicity through the use of terracotta tiles.
•  The use of metal and not the traditional masonry also ensures easy maintenance in this area of heavy rainfall and prevents the possibility of vandalism through poster sticking and graffiti.