GIRLS INNOVATION CENTER

Project Details

THEME : ADAPTIVE REUSE

CATEGORY: ONGOING

COLLABORATOR: GUJARAT GOVERNMENT

DATE: 2024

This endeavor, born from chance encounters during our routine journeys to LxS Office, embodies serendipity and goodwill.
Upon entering the site, we engaged with the  Principal of the Government School and learned about the history of the Colonial Building, and its neglect since the 2000 earthquake.

Having documented the existing conditions, our team formulated a proposal for the rehabilitation of the damaged structure, envisioning its transformation into a Girls Innovation Center for the local community.
Embarking on a thorough journey, we liaised with the responsible authorities, culminating in the approval from the Gujarat Education Department. This marked a significant milestone, a Private-Public Venture, and a pioneering initiative for our city.


The colonial Heritage building, dating back to 1905, stands prominently on the northern side facing the BRTS Bus Station, ensuring excellent accessibility for the public. Its open-arched facade symbolizes the welcoming nature of the new institution nestled within the remnants of the old, designed to cater to the city’s children and visible to all.

Situated next to an operational Gujarati Medium School, the site presents an unique setting with many trees and open green areas, providing a refreshing  oasis next to the congested traffic of the Old City.

The intervention seeks to unite both structures, aspiring to holistically transform the site and extend the change beyond the confines of the colonial walls.


SPATIAL INTERVENTIONS AND STRATEGIES

The Colonial Building comprised 24 small rooms in a highly fragmented configuration. However, for the realization of a multifunctional innovation center, a more expansive layout became imperative.
By strategically opening the walls and connecting two cross corridors, we interconnected the spatial sequence into a unified visual perspective that allows users to perceive a distinctive and interconnected space, both vertically and horizontally.

The implementation unfolded in two carefully planned phases:

1/ SUBTRACTION involved removing all damaged elements to ensure the health and longevity of the existing structure.
2/ ADDITION introduced new components to adapt the building to its new activities and improve its climatic conditions


APPROACHING THE RENOVATION

The existing built form stands as an incredible testament to the craftsmanship achieved a century ago. Our proposal centers around preserving and enhancing three primary material palettes. To seamlessly bridge the old and the new, we introduce a lightweight metal structure for the new components.

The load-bearing structure features brick with English Bond for the masonry, complemented by fenestrations echoing Roman arches on the front North facade and Neomudejar arches for indoor openings and South facade windows. 

The intervention involved carefully stripping away layers of plaster on the walls to accentuate the original masonry’s expression, repairing cracks using retrofitting techniques, and replacing damaged elements.

The wooden beams, roof, and carpentries, unfortunately, suffered structural integrity issues due to years of neglect and termite damage. After a careful dismantling process, we opted to repurpose non-structural elements as carpentries. All new doors and windows are crafted from the material salvaged from the roof beams, not only reducing costs but also repurposing a material that would otherwise go to waste.

As for the Stone floorings, which remain in relatively good condition, our approach involves polishing them and replacing damaged elements with the same material. This ensures a cohesive and upgraded aesthetic while minimizing waste and maintaining cost-effectiveness.


NEW LIFE AND ADAPTIVE REUSE

The location and Heritage Status of the building presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the utilization of existing structures, fostering a connection with the city and introducing amenities aligned with contemporary societal needs.

Centered around its original purpose, the building will now serve as a hub for alternative education, a model of open pedagogy designed to complement the 
academic framework of Government Schools and bridge existing gaps.

To achieve this vision, the Girls Innovation Center (GIC) incorporates a Computer Room and Reading/Study area within its central modules, along with two modules dedicated to extracurricular sessions for the kids and another two for the Urban Incubation Center opened for professionals.

The primary beneficiaries are the girls of the existing school, youngsters of the district, and aspiring professionals, turning the center into a vibrant space that reflects the dynamic energy of its users.


A DIALOGUE OF HERITAGE AND THE NEW WORLD

In a rehabilitation project, our responsibility as architects lies in integrating the existing knowledge and contemporary construction methods, introducing a new layer that authentically reflects the essence of our current era, and allows the future generations to read the honest sequence of transformations.

Adhering to these principles, the project prioritizes enhancing natural light and ventilation. This is achieved through strategic wall openings and the addition of a metal, light-porous roof. Together with the ‘jali’ on the north facade, these elements signify a contrast between the old brick/wood components and the 
respectful, yet assertive, additions of metal in the roof, staircase, and fenestration frames.


A PROJECT ALWAYS DEVELOPING,
AN ENDLESS CHALLENGE 

Our responsibilities extended beyond addressing the issue and conceptualizing the overall project; we also navigated permissions, secured funding, coordinated 
implementation, and administered the educational program. 

Executing within a tight and dynamic budget, we strategically undertook minimal actions with maximal impact, achieving more with less. In the coming years, our objective is to transform the entire site into a physical embodiment of the future of 
education.

This transformative vision has been made possible through the generous support of our CSR funders: Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industries, AE Engineers, Astral Pipes, Jyoti Foundation, and ONGC. Special gratitude to those instrumental in realizing this project, including Sanskruti Panchal, Manuel M, Pavan Bakeri, Vasant Bhai, Prashan  Vora,   and all the  people involved in this transformative process.