Fact File
Project: Convention CenterSize: 4.83 acres
Built-up area: 81,500 sq.ft.
Design Firm: Finer Edge Architects, Mumbai
The planning of the Convention Center uses a simple and functional approach, distributed over the ground and first floor. The north facade opens up to a veranda leading to the foyer, lobby and pre-function areas, and the central hall and meeting rooms are planned to be used in endless ways.
The design elements evoke a sense of lightness: a solid rap from the back of the building becomes a huge cantilever in the front facade, along with a similar solid rap starting from the back of the reception until the entrance porch. Placed perpendicular to each other, this element gives a unique identity to the Center, such that it is used in its branding - from letterheads to crockery.
Hand-crafted stone cladding draws reference to the symbolic nature of Khajuraho. The Center’s main openings and façade face the north orientation towards the main road for easy public access. The huge horizontal canopy running in the X-Y axis one on top of the other creates a strong elevational feature. This minimalist approach of massing the canopy over the Y-shaped steel columns embraces the visitors’ approach into the Convention Center.
The site is oriented at a slight angle of 45 degrees north and hence the Center’s N-S axis orientation addresses the issue of sustainability by reducing heat gain. The front façade faces north, allowing the Center to soak in natural light, while minimal openings on the other facades reduce heat transmission.
Our aim was to create a Center that not only depicts sustainable architecture but also reflects the rich cultural heritage of Khajuraho, by using design elements that evoke a sense of lightness and provide spaces of tranquillity.
Ar. Vivek Kishore
The façade is made of energy saving glass and green certified Kalesinterflex cladding by Classic Marble Company (CMC). The 3mm slim ultra-thin, large format porcelain slab extends into the interior space as a false ceiling, creating a unified feeling of the exterior merging into the interiors. A buffer zone of trees around the Center keeps the surrounding area cool, while LED lights, water-efficient fixtures and fittings, and rainwater harvesting system contribute to the Center’s energy efficiency.
Steel - the key structural element - provides strength and durability to the overall structure. The main facade showcases the artworks and stone carvings of Khajuraho. The Center has a huge garden lawn in front and a smaller lawn at the back, and well-planned unobtrusive back-end services, including kitchen area with loading and unloading services, staff entry, toilet blocks, and technical services for air handling units, A.V operation room, and the interpretation room.
