Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library

Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
© Javier Callejas

NANDALAL SEWA SAMITHI LIBRARY

Anupama Kundoo Architects

LOCATION
Puducherry, India

AREA
268 m²

CATEGORY
Cultural Architecture, Library

DESIGN TEAM
Anupama Kundoo Architects

PHOTOGRAPHS
Javier Callejas

YEAR
2018

ARCHITECT IN CHARGE
Anupama Kundoo

Text description provided by architect.

Set in a residential area of rapidly urbanizing Pondicherry, the new library building is realized as a social infrastructure facilitated through the social organization Nandalal Sewa Samithi.

Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
© Javier Callejas
Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
© Javier Callejas

Affordability being a key consideration, the library is a construction built in locally made, exposed bricks, which would stand out as an institutional building in the context of the plastered and painted masonry construction of the surrounding houses and apartment buildings.

The roof profile represents the ‘open book’, as do the screening elements conceived in ferrocement technology symbolizing constant progress through knowledge.

Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
© Javier Callejas
Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
© Javier Callejas

The orthogonal walls on the upper floor lean outwards towards the top like a crown, as the building aims to serve the community and invest in its empowerment by encouraging reading and learning.

As land is limited by the residential plot sizes, the terrace upstairs is designed to compensate for this by providing the necessary open space for contemplation and informal outdoor events.

Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
© Javier Callejas
Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
© Javier Callejas

The inclusiveness of this facility is demonstrated by the inclusion of Braille books for the visually impaired.

Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
© Javier Callejas
Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
© Javier Callejas

This particular feature is reflected architecturally in the way a Braille typeface is integrated into the building elements to create porous patterns in the brickwork, screens and ceiling.

Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
© Javier Callejas
Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
© Javier Callejas

Light patterns in the form of Braille texts leave their imprint on the interior spaces so that those who can see are visually aware of the language of those who cannot see, and thus increase their sensitivity to the differently abled.

Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
© Javier Callejas
Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
© Javier Callejas


Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
Section EE
Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
Section FF


Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
Ground Floor Plan
Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
First Floor Plan


Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
Elevation AA
Nandalal Sewa Samithi Library
Elevation BB