ABOUT INDIA HABITAT CENTRE :

India Habitat Centre (IHC) was conceived to provide a physical environment, which would serve as a catalyst for a synergetic relationship between individuals and institutions working in diverse habitat related areas and would therefore maximize their total effectiveness. To facilitate this interaction, the Centre provides a superb range of facilities.

 India Habitat Centre was Stein’s largest project. It is perhaps most successful as a work of urban design, a place that handles transportation and an enormous variety of public and private activities, from housing to banking to entertainment to food. A city within a city, it is an intellectual shopping centre that provides cheap green curry, great theatre, cutting edge art, …., and wonderful outdoor spaces that are comfortable even in summer. The IHC has made an extraordinary contribution to the city of Delhi …”

Spread over an area of nine acres the IHC campus has been designed and built by Joseph Stein, Doshi and Bhalla in  India’s capital, Delhi. The campus weaves in a unique interplay of institutions, supporting infrastructure and facilities such as conference venues, auditoria, hospitality areas, the library and resource centre, and art galleries. Elegantly designed, the campus is a hub of activity while simultaneously being serene. The architectural and design elements that Stein has built in enable this paradoxical blend. The campus is wi-fi enabled. India Habitat Centre (IHC) was conceived to provide a physical environment.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION :

The Indian Habitat Centre was started in 1993. The public agency of Housing and Urban Development Corporation ltd. Wanted an office building for its workers and made a decision to invite  chosen non-profit organizations to share their concern with habitat to share that work space.

The building was designed by the architect Joseph Allen Stein.

It has six restaurants , four galleries, one auditorium , amphithreater and an atrium .

The landscaping , horticulture, fountains add to the pleasing ambience of the campus .

Spread on an area of 9 acres , the capital’s cultural hub, known for hosting plays , book reading, music concerts , dance , art exhibitions and office workshops , is also a place to catch up with friends.

DESIGN REVIEW:

- Use of shading devices (truss) reflects back 70 % of the heat .

These blue reflectors are designed in such a way that they provide shade in summers to keep the area warm and in winters provides sunlight to the area .

-       - The entire façade is cladded with exposed red bricks work gives a majestic look.