Community Library

BMS School of Architecture, BMSIT Campus, Yelahanka, Bangalore

Project idea

The "community library" is a seamless integration of traditional and modern construction techniques. Inspiration is drawn from the local bhunga houses located in the surroundings. The library respects the context, history, and culture of Gujarat's indigenous population. The building's look and feel are like a mound emerging from the ground, the sloped roof extending till the ground makes the structure blend with the dry dessert-like landscape.

Project description

Design inspired by traditional Bhunga houses of Kutch that are the real identity of Kutch desert areas. A traditional Kutchi house is circular and made of mud walls and a thatched roof, decorated with various embellishments such as mirrors, geometric patterns, mud art, colorful textiles, etc. that showcase the life and culture of the people of Kutch, from inside and outside.

The outer plain facade with sloped roofs reaching the ground creates curiosity amongst users, drawing them in. Once on the inside, the courtyard, vegetation, and reflection from the mirrored ceiling make a person feel tranquil. Various design elements like the ramp, sloped seating, nook seating - seating provided between shelves, the flexible wall with activities, make people excited.

Natural sunlight is got into the building by providing a courtyard. Local trees and vegetation is provided in this courtyard for cooling. Arch-like door openings are provided for cross ventilation.

Technical information

The library is built with locally available materials, which helps reduce transport costs. The structure is made with circular adobe brick walls plastered with clay and cow dung. The Thatched roof is placed over a wooden truss structure. A thick layer of dried grass is placed over the roof. The low-hanging roofs that extend beyond the walls as well as the round design protect it from direct sunlight and harsh desert winds while maintaining a comfortable temperature inside.

• Disaster resistance - Most of the materials used are very lightweight hence they are helpful against lateral forces and storms. The organic shape also helps by not obstructing the wind movement and hence they do not create big pressure and helps during cyclones. The circular shape always reacts as an arch against the forces applied from any direction during the earthquake. Since they are circular, they are more stable in earthquake situations.

• Climate responsive - Cylindrical-shaped mud walls help to protect from direct sun rays and hence keep the library cool from inside during summer and the cow dung used as a plaster on the outer wall helps to resist the cold during winters.

• Energy-saving - The entire roof structure is decorated with mirror work placed in the grooves of the roof truss. These mirrors reflect the light of the sun, multiplying the light inside. Hence the use of electricity during the daytime is limited.