The counter-effect of built-mass is often a disparate urban mass and our residential and commercial buildings need to be able to address this imbalance. Axis Vanam (Vanam meaning ‘Forest’ in Sanskrit) by The Purple Ink Studios is a building that is a standing comment on effective problem solutions and form development. An excess of concrete can be seen permuted all across our urban fabrics. Hence, it is of even more significance than local studios, artists, designers, and urban planners to take it upon themselves to address this excess.
The project serves as a resting ground for green spaces to operate within the urban paradigm. The project was initiated with the idea of condensing the gap between the built and greens and extensive analysis of the environment and the diminishing spaces led the team to derive a form that regenerates a sense of balance in the ecosystem. Vanam is a reaction to an increasing breach in the urban fabric. It is designed as a stimulus to restore the balance in the built and green spaces,blurring the boundaries between the two. A beautiful blend of landscape and architecture demarcates the language and identity of this building. Each house has access to a sunken cantilevered balcony that encourages engagement with green spaces and adds an element of optimization of outdoor space.
Beautiful brickwork facades accentuate the facade and inner spaces. The balance between concrete and brick and the integration of two very diverse materials into one mass sets this building apart from others of its kind. Vanam is located in one of the busiest dense parts of Bengaluru. The housing project is a configuration of 20 living units stacked across 5 levels. Every unit is outward-facing, with openings that facilitate natural light and ventilation. These integrations enable the structure to be less reliant on artificial forms of ventilation and lighting. Every unit is compact and provides for an adaptable balcony space. The differently staggered plates add for a unique facade and visual language.
The purple ink studio is an award-winning practice in Bengaluru, which was started in 2011 by Akshay Heranjal and Aditi Pai. The studio believes in constantly exploring the parameters of design and blurring the boundaries between architecture, landscape, interiors, and sustainability.
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