India International Center Complex

\ INDIA INTERNATIONAL CENTER
INTRODUCTION
This center was designed so that grounds of India International Center and the Lodhi
gardens could function as one entity. This building is designed by Joseph Allen Stein.
This building is provided for a number of cultural and scholarly activities, including
meetings for national and international groups and research programs.
The center is composed of closely related domed auditorium, guest rooms, program block
and separately articulated hostel block and dining facilities. The requirements of various
functions and their special relationship in the combined cultural and residential institution have
resulted in the expression of a design rich in variations, yet governed by the integration of
modern techniques with local skills and materials.
Respecting the garden traditions of North India and the refinement of indigenous
techniques, stein integrates these elements with modern use of exposed roof pattern. The use
SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 44 44
N E H A G O Y A L B. A R C H V Y EA R T E S I S R E P O R T 2 0 0 2 - 0 3
of local materials such as rugged quartzile stone and blue Kotastone flooring is softened by
screened Jalis in Ceramic Tiles.
Despite its institutional role, the architect conceived the IIC complex with an informal
approach. The curving façade of the residential wing corresponds to the curving paths and
walkways in the adjacent Lodhi Gardens. The large windows of the dining hall and conference
room on the second floor overlook the wide vistas of tombs and gardens.
Overall there is a sublime fusion of the India International complex with Lodhi Gardens.
LOCATION
India International Center is in central locality, Lodhi Estate near the eastern boundary of
Lodhi Gardens at Lodhi Estate Road.
. The sole vehicular access to IIC is from Max Muller Road, and pedestrian approach from NDMC
parking sides.
SITE:
The site falls in the Lutyen’s Delhi Region. The site is in trapezoidal shape and measuring
about 4.6 acre. Various national and international agencies like WWF, INTCH,UNESCO, World
Bank etc. have their offices in the vicinity of the site. India habitat center is only 1.5Km away.
ORIENTATION:
Except for dining rooms/lounge which face west overlooking the Lodhi garden, Rest has
been oriented North South, which is suitable for Delhi.
ARCHITECTURE SCHEME
The whole complex can be divided in three wings:
1) North wing
2) South wing
3) West wing
North wing is residential block. It offers residential and catering facilities to members
and their guests, it consists of two type of rooms:
Single room
Double room
South wing is program block. It houses all the public areas, conference rooms, offices,
library and auditorium.
West wing consists of lounge, dining halls and services each wing is designed to serve a
separate function. It is possible to enter any section through the outdoor spaces without
disturbing activities in other access.
It also consist of two party lawns which has separate entry and exit to the complex.
1) Rock Garden
2) Central Lawn
PARKING
No parking is allowed on the site except staff parking on the south offset. NDMC has
provided has common parking for the Lodhi Garden, World Bank, UNICEF, INTACH, WWF and
the rest. The parking plaza behind India Islamic Center provides ample parking spaces. The
spillover parking in case of conventions is done on the abutting service lane.
INTERNAL CIRCULATION
The main circulation in the complex is horizontal because of its spread. Various blocks have been
connected to each other by means of covered passages. The main covered passage between the
program block and the residential block acts as an entrance canopy for the visitors and a porch for the
incoming vehicles.
The main approach to the program block is from side service lane through the pedestrian
entrance.
The program block consist of following areas:
Ground Floor First Floor Second Floor Basement
Library Kitchen, Account Section Toilets,
Auditorium Administration Office, Publications Drinking water
Conference Room (80 Per.), Computer wing record room
Engg. Room, Program office
Director’s room,
President’s room,
Projector room,
Board room (17 per.)

VEHICULAR CIRCULATION
Main vehicular entry and exit is from Max Mueller Road. Vehicles can be driven upto the
entrance porch and move on to the NDMC parking after leaving passenger on the entrance porch.
NORTH WING (RESIDENTIAL BLOCK)
It consists of 55 single rooms and 26 double rooms at all floors.
SOUTH WING(PROGRAM BLOCK)
It houses all the public areas,conference rooms,offices,library and auditorium
WESTERN WING
It consists of following areas
Ground Floor:
Lounge, Toilet block, Bakery Shop, Pantry

First Floor:
Dinning Hall having capacity of 120 persons
Private Dinning hall

Second Floor:
Conference hall with seating capacity of 80 persons
Open terrace for organizing parties
Toilet Blocks
SERVICES:
There is separate service entry on side lane having parking for two wheelers of staff.
All services are lying at the back of the program block. It has two basements for services.
SERVICES ON GROUND FLOOR:
Electric Substation
Carpentry Workshop
Transformer
Generator Room
Staff Canteen
Staff Kitchen
Staff Restroom
SERVICES IN FIRST BASEMENT:
Laundry
SERVICES IN SECOND BASEMENT
A.C. PLANT:
The whole center is centrally Air Conditioned. This plant houses two units. One of capacity 80 Tons which is
used during the day. It has two AC cooling towers near the rear wall of the site. AHU has been provided on every
floor and in each wing.
The pool in the rear side of the garden that helps in keeping temperature low in summer is also landscape
feature.
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM:
Distribution of water is based on gravity supply system in which water is drawn from a lower level
underground tank to an overhead tank from where water is supplied to the service areas. The overhead tanks are
placed under the shell structures cantilevered over the residential block.
STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
R.C.C. framed structural system has been used- columns beams and coffered, ceiling slabs in areas where
heavy loads are to be supported big stone piers have been constructed.
The concrete frame is filled in with several type of cladding( local stone, pre caste concrete panels)
windows and shading devices of various sizes, materials and degrees of operability in an attempt to maximize an
appreciation of the Indoor/ Outdoor relationships and the qualities of the site. The final construction was highly
economical largely as a result of efficient construction and use of simple exposed materials which required no
additional finishes.
Auditorium Roof Dome:
The roof of the auditorium is composed of pre cast Y-shaped elements to form a six sided domical
structure based on hexagons and quadrilaterals.
Use of Jali as shading device:
For the auditorium windows and between
the guest room balconies, Jalis of traditional blue
glazed tile were used. While entirely shading the
windows in summer, the jalis allow in welcome sun in
winter.
SPATIAL ANALYSIS
(Distribution of Circulation)
Entrance Lobby
 Distributes circulation to library/ Auditorium/ Reading room/ Stairs for first floor
 Easily approachable from the front porch and pedestrian entrance
 Serves as foyer to the auditorium
 Pre cast concrete slab are used in the ceiling about 2’ by 2’ in area
 Fully glazed walls for complete transparency
 Consists of reception counter.
Auditorium
 240 seating capacity
 About 260 sqm area including stage and backstage area
 Regular hexagonal unit with each side 36’ long
 Proscenium stage 18 feet deep, wooden flooring, 3 feet high
 2 public entrances from the foyer and 1 VIP entrance from the back
stage
 Designed to function as multipurpose hall
 2 Aisles in between (1.6 M wide)
 Exposed black stone on walls and exposed concrete Y shaped elements on the roof ceiling 6-7m high
 Wooden paneling on wall facing the stage.
Library
For use of delegates and member only it houses about 32,000 volumes of books and periodicals mostly on
social sciences history biography literature and arts.
 It has 6 cubicles for quiet reading
 Oblong 10m wide and 25m long
 Reception cum issue and deposit counter on the entrance.
 Magazines section opposite to the reception counter having seating capacity of 15people
 Book stacks on the left of the circulation passage which divides

library into reading zone and stacks zone.
 Reading zone has windows overlooking the central lawn.
 Special booths for internet/photocopying/ typewriting etc.
Kitchen and Dinning facilities
 For members and guests
 Kitchen and stores are located on the first floor in the program block where as the dinning hall is in
western block. A service corridor connects the two. A big walk in refrigerator, butchery section is
provided in kitchen.
 A separate service stairs has been provided on the southern side of kitchen.
 It has dinning hall for 120 persons.
 This dinning hall is a hexagonal room with large opening overlooking the
Lodhi garden.
 It has bar having seating capacity of 40persons
 The lounge offers a more informal seating for discussions.
Conference Facilities
 Two conference halls with seating capacity of 80 persons in both.
 One in the Program Block has microphone between every two seats
 A small control room adjacent to it
 Has a coffered ceiling with exposed concrete and the southern façade
is glazed.
 A service corridor is running parallel to conference hall on southern side
 No acoustical treatment
 Second one in residential block on second floor
 Hexagonal in plan
 Has a pyramidal roof
 Wooden strips on the walls for acoustical treatment
 Overlooking the Lodhi gardens and has been appropriately glazed.
Board room
One small boardroom with capacity of 17people on first floor of program block.
No acoustical treatment.
INFERENCES
 Every building unit is based on human scale. No Intentional use of monumental scale is seen even
though the building hosts a number of conferences and seminars of national and international
reputation.
 Important component of the IIC is the use of courts and openings through the building to create a
lively sequence of visual experiences from approach to entry to exit.
 While most of the spaces are adequate and serve the purpose well but the lobby area serving both
the auditorium and the conferences hall is too small and get crowded during function.
 All the conference halls are placed scattered and facility of dinning is not possible with the
conference hall.
 Every block has separate entry and no area is disturbed by movements in other parts. All the services
are provided In the rear of site. There is separate service entry in the side lane of the site
connected to kitchen store.
 Auditorium seating capacity is not enough for all type of programs. It is better for seminars and
lecture activities as compared to dramatic and musical events.
 Parking on site and on the abutting service road is inadequate in today’s context.
 The conference rooms in themselves are ill equipped to hold large conferences.
 Air Conditioning is effective.
 Landscaping is used to such scale that it forms a single entity with the adjacent lodhi garden.
AREA PROGRAMME
Auditorium (240 per) Area (M\m2)
210
Seating
Stage 50
Male Toilet 15
Female Toilet 15
Projector Room 20
Green Room Male 12
Green Room Female 12
Entrance Foyer 56
AHU 10
Meeting Halls Space Capacity Area (m2)

Conference Hall 1 80 110
Conference Hall 2 80 120
Catering
Dining Hall 120 120
Lounge 35 120
Private Dining 40 50
Kitchen 100
Bar 40 25
Pantry 30
AHU (2 No.) 10 (each)
Male Toilet 15
Female Toilet 15
Other Areas
Library (32,000 volumes) 300
Administration 400
Single Room (48 No.) 960
Double Room (26 No.) 780
CONCLUSIONS
India Habitat Centre India International Centre

Purpose IHC is developed with an idea to evolve an The building provides for a number of cultural and
appropriate form for multi disciplinary issues involved scholarly activities, including meeting of national
in the development of human settlement. An effort is and international groups and research programs. It
made to weave urban design in synergetic inter is intended to be a place where various currents of
relationship between institutions working in diverse intellectual, political, social and economic thought
habitat fields to optimize their effectiveness by would meet freely in the mind and hearts f men.
bringing together such institutions in an integrated
physical form with common facilities for mutual
benefit.
Scale of The building is mammoth but has been given a human The building has been conceived on human scale and
project touch by relaying more on finishing material rather no attempt to impose monumentality has been made.
than scale. The munificent building standards and
sparkles with a gem.
Form An orthogonal moulding like C channel encompassing Two separate blocks that are further composed of
wonderfully articulated landscaped courts. different formal elements, which maintain their
identity.
Functionality Individual spatial units are best but the perfunctory Spaces are provided inter woven with landscaped
spaces get crowded at tune of entry/ exits to plenary courts, but the interior spaces like lobby and
hall. Catering/ dining/ exhibition spaces are well library gets crowded. Same with the vertical
designed. circulation tower.
Circulation The circulation via lounge and foyers, which are large Movement in other area disturbs no area. In
in size and do away with drawbacks associated with program block the circulation is through doubly
corridors. The staircase at the end of lounge provides loaded corridor while in residential block it is via
vertical circulation along the elevation. singly loaded corridor. Circulation has been
resolved very efficiently.
Parking Very well thought of and resolved parking separate 10-12 staff parking on site visitor parking provided
facilities for staff, night Parker's, two wheelers and in the Lodhi Plaza. Inadequate by any standards.
user group has been provided.
Structural RCC framed structure with brick cladding and inlaid Precast and prefabricated materials have been
System ceramic tiles. extensively used. RCC framed construction is also
used in restaurant and residential block.
Auditorium State of art facilities is provided. Capacity is Small auditorium and interiors are simple and
adequate and the hall has been designed to serve a elegant. No major acoustical treatment used by
number of functions IP booths/ Projection (slides/ artists and seminars.
video) are provided.
4. CASE STUDIES :
4.1 NEHRU PLANETARIUM, NEW DELHI
4.2 SARDAR PATEL PLANETARIUM, VADODRA
4.3 VIKRAM SARABHAI COMMUNITY CENTRE , AHMEDABAD
4.4 VIKRAM SARABHAI SPACE EXHIBITION CENTRE , AHMEDABAD
4.5 CASE STUDY INFERENCES
NEHRU PLANETARIUM , NEW DELHI
Introduction -
The Nehru Planetarium , a subtle dome shaped monument is a hi tech and probably the oldest planetarium in
the country. Opened for public view on 8th September 1984 by the Prime Minister of India Shrimati Indira
Gandhi , as a true remembrance of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru's vision , is one of the marvelous contributions to
the innovation and growth of scientific projects in the country. The Planetarium presents daily sky shows (both
in Hindi & English) unfolding various aspects of the cosmos , the bountiful mysteries of the universe , the
comets , the Hubble space telescope , eclipses and the puzzling unidentified flying objects.
It has grown into a centre for scientific study of astronomy and for meeting of scientists and scholars for
discussions and lectures, arranged periodically on various stellar and astronomical events. Several
programmes aimed at inspiring students are also run through the centre. These include science quiz contests;
astro - painting, science elocution, astro poetry and astro quiz competition. Special arrangements are made to
watch , study and photograph solar & lunar eclipses and many such other events. Story based children shows
is another innovative format used in communication. An interactive exhibition area complements the shows and
is an integral part of the planetarium visit.
Location -
Nehru planetarium is located on the western extent of Jawahar
Lal Nehru Memeorial Museum , in the serene Chanakyapuri area
of New Delhi. It is a part of largely landscaped Jawahar Lal
Nehru Memorial Museum and library.
Surrounded by the museum on southeastern side , the
planetarium is adjoining Chanakyapuri police station and is
facing International Youth Centre at Teen Murti Marg. (Fig.).
Primarily the area is marked by the embassies of several nations
, close by.
Site Area and Surroundings -
The total area of memorial museum is roughly 35 acres , out of which 1.5 acre is allocated to Nehru
Planetarium. Since positioned in the Lutyen's zone several coverage and height restrictions applies to the
centre. The total floor area of the planetarium is 1350 sq. mts. , which is 22% of the site area.
A major drain is running on the southwestern fringe of the planetarium which serves as the natural drain pattern
for rainwater and drain - lines.
Fact File -
Location New Delhi
Latitude 29N
Longitude 77E
Altitude 263M
Climate Composite
Te m p e r a t u r e Winters 4-14
Summers 35-45
Soil Alluvial Character
Wa t e r t a b l e 7-8 M
Land use Institutional / Heritage
Ye a r o f c o m p l e t i o n 1984
Site Area 1.5 Acres
Covered Area 1 3 5 0 S Q M T.
Ve g e t a t i o n J a m u n , N e e m , Ta m a r i n d
To p o g r a p h y Primarily flat , sloping towards south west
Access A p p r o a c h t h r o u g h Te e n M u r t i M a r g o n l y
Capacity 200 people in Sky Theatre
Wa t e r b o d y Nallah on south west edge of boundary
Design Commentary -
The prime areas in any planetarium can be classified in three heads. They are -
Visitors area / Exhibits Production areas / Services Administration area
The design of the Nehru Planetarium is very simplistic , on the above mentioned areas. The circulation creates
a simple hierarchy of public & semi public space. The entire exhibits are accessed through the main entrance,
which houses a book shop and a ticket counter on left and right sides respectively. the entire administration
area is screened by the book shop and a conference hall on left , which is presently used as an exhibition area.
A private door from the administration leads to the production area such as , sound & video and A.C. rooms.
The plan is primarily governed by the sky theatre's dome. The sky dome diameter is 15 M and can
accommodate 200 people in its full capacity. A Service gallery run all around the dome of 1.5 M width for the
handling and storage of equipment related to sky theatre. Dome houses a Karl Zeiss sky projector , which can
project celestial images on the sky dome. The canteen is placed on first floor close to sky dome close to sky
dome, which resemble monumental heritage of Delhi.
Emergency exit is provided at the other end of the exhibition area, in front of the sky theater
entrance .The total no of staff is 16 in the planetarium , including Director, Engineers , Supervisor,
Technicians and other supporting staff.
Z
Exhibition Area -
The entire exhibit is spaced around the dome and primarily consists of several graphics , posters and scaled
models of space exploration and facts related to it. One of the entire section for exhibit is devoted to the Indian
achievements in space and has Rakesh Sharma's space module.
The high ceiling is used to accommodate various posters and graphics related to our solar system and its
planets. The height of the graphics along the upper periphery of the wall is 60 CMS. Several open air exhibits
are also placed around the main building in the landscape park. They are scale model of discovery space
shuttle and real scale model of Indian space module PSLV.
Types of Exhibits -
- As we start our tour to universe, at the right side of the entrance is the 3D suspended model of our planet
earth . Covering area ( 5.5mX5 m)
- Round Transit Model - Active exhibit showing earth's rotation around sun & eclipses.(Dia 2M,Ht .75M)
- The Diorama in front of these models takes you to the Mars. Mars is more like our earth than any other
planet. Its size is 4MX2MX.8M & It has tilted glass wall & curved surface to give 3D effect.
- Grand vistas showing spiral galaxy with millions of stars , magnificent Andromeda galaxy , in
the form of photographs on the panel. (Ht of the panels 2.4 M)
- The cosmic calendar tells the story of the universe inside a projection wall.
- Weighing machines, showing our weight on moon & Jupiter , having huge displays of the surfaces of moon
& Jupiter.
- Active model showing different colours of stars according to there temperature. 1.85 M high ,
size - 2MX .9 M
- ISRO Space ship model ( ht - 2.75M)
- Rakesh Sharma 's space ship model ( actual scale) , size - 3MX2M , Ht - 2.5 M
Ht of the exhibition area is 3.2 M . Displays are done on both the side of the gallery leaving sufficient circulation
area in between . Maximum width of the circulation area (distance between the exhibits) is 7 M & Minimum
width is 2.5 M. Exhibition area is spanned by coffered ceiling, coffer size is 1M X 1M. Lights are fixed
alternately in these coffers, some exhibits have Wall mounted lights & neon lights. An AHU duct is running
along the lower periphery of the wall to lower the air temp inside the gallery. Smoke & heat detectors , fire
alarms & extinguishers are provided at approx. 3M distance.
Production Area -
The back alley is planned for the production areas such as workshops, audio and video rooms , photography
studio and electronics workshop. Amateur astronomy is being propagated through the centre, as it houses
probably the oldest Amateur astronomy club in India. Programme room is placed in the production area , but
can be accessed by the common public if they wish to indulge in the activities run by the club. Programme
room has the seating capacity for 30-35 people.
Photo studio, sound studio & sky theatre are air conditioned, because used in these areas needs cooler
environment to work efficiently. All production areas are well equipped with fire fighting instruments, they have
CO2 type extinguishers, smoke & heat detectors & fire alarm system.
Sky Theatre -
Sky Theatre constitutes the major portion of any planetarium and Nehru Planetarium is no exception to it. It is a
visual treat to night sky for city dwellers, as it is impossible for them to watch celestial phenomenon , due to
light pollution The diameter of sky dome is 15M and can accommodate 270 people in maximum capacity .The
theatre is air conditioned by AHU room placed on the back alley of workshop.
The main projecting equipment is Karl Zeiss projector, It can project several space elements up to a great
resolution on the dome. It primarily consists of a hydraulic lift and computer control machine. The computer
console is placed near the periphery of the theatre. Hydraulic lift is placed below the projector in a pit 4.5 M
deep, specially designed for the projector . A service gallery is provided around the lift pit, which is accessed
through the sky theatre only. Hydraulic lift facilitates the projector to be moved inside the pit, leaving the
projector counter as a table, so that the theatre can be converted into a conference room. Another advantage of
the lift pit is that projector can be protected from the dust, at the time its not being used.
Walls of the sky theatre are carpeted. Therefore highly absorptive of sound, while tiled flooring does not
contribute much to the sound absorption. Dome is constructed of painted fiber glass , which is not as good
sound absorber as perforated aluminum sheet. Seating is
arranged in a circular pattern. High & tilted back of the seats
helps in solving the 'tired neck' problem. The tilt angle of the chair is
150 degrees. Screen mounted speakers are provided on zenith, mid
level & horizon level (1.5M) Wall mounted lights are provided
around the complete perimeter of the dome & Around the
periphery of the projector booth. Red subdued lights are provided
near the entrance, exit & control console.
Form -
The planetarium is designed to be in tune with its locale. Architecturally it blends with the nearby monument ,
the Kushak Mahal , which is a 13th century hunting lodge built by Lodhis . Where planetarium stands today was
the location of tennis courts , framed by bougainvillae slopes and a canopy of shady neem trees.Care was
taken during the construction of the planetarium to preserve all the original trees and recreate the mound .
Today a new generation of bougainvillae in full bloom frame the stone clad planetarium dome making it quite
unique architecturally and harmonius member of the beautiful Teen Murti Complex.
Structure -
Screen dome is fabricated using a space frame of tublar members in aluminium. This space frame is supported
on the R.C.C.ring beam. The inner side of the dome is covered
with 26 segments of fibre glass . These screen panels are 2.1M X
0.6 M in size . Surface is finished with a powder coated neutral
offwhite finish.Gap of structural dome and screen dome houses
speaker platforms , catwalks as well
as AC ducts & lights.
SARDAR PATEL PLANETARIUM , VADODRA
Introduction -
The Sardar Patel Planetarium , a pyramidal shaped monument is situated in the city of parks and gardens -
Vadodra. Located in the famous Saya ji baugh , the Planetarium , one of the novel projects initiated and being
run by Vadodra Municipal Corporation .The lush green Saya ji Baugh is spread in 113Acres and with in its
boundary it houses Sardar Patel Planetarium , Museum Picture Gallery , Band stand , Mahadev Temple ,
Children Park , Zoo , Birds House , Balbhavan , Toy Train and Guest House . This beautifully landscaped
garden was developed in phases .
Planetarium was added in the south-west angle of the garden , near the main entrance , in 1976. The
Planetarium preserves the beauty & the mystery of the night sky upon the dome and brings the awe & wonder
of the universe to its citizens. Apart from the sky theatre , there is an Exhibition Gallery into which sky theatre
opens . Additionally , there is a children 's open air theatre on the ground floor which can seat about 300 people
at a time. It is used for educational functions by the schools and other institutions at a very nominal charge.
About 10,000 students visit the planetarium every year and enjoy free of charge planetarium show , night sky
observation through telescope etc. The planetarium also facilitates science park , which impart knowledge in an
entertaining fashion to fresh brains.
Location -
Sardar Patel Planetarium is located on the south west corner
of the Saya ji Baugh , very near to the main entrance . Saya ji
Baugh is located in the centre of the Vadodra city , ie ,in the
Fateh ganj area. It is very close to Railway and Bus
Station.Saya ji Baugh is on the junction of the university road ,
tilak road & Indra puri road , which is known as 'Kala Ghoda
Circle'. Garden is facing to M.S. University and Tourist office at
one side and mental hospital & Karol Baugh area on the other
side.
Site Area and Surroundings -

The Total area of the Planetarium and science park is 1 acre , out of which 1/2 acre is allocated to Sardar Patel
Planetarium. The total floor area of planetarium is 1450 sqmts. , which is 35% of the site area. Vishwamitri River
is running through the site , which serves as a major water source for the irrigation of the garden .Whole
Residency Area & Fatehganj Area are lush green due to the high water table caused by Vishwamitri River.
Fact File -
Location Va d o d r a
Latitude 23N
Longitude 72E
Altitude 270 M
Climate Composite
Te m p e r a t u r e Winters 4-12
Summers 35 - 45
Soil Loamy
W a t e r Ta b l e 30M
Land use Recreational
Ye a r o f C o m p l e t i o n 1976
Site area 1 Acres
Covered area 795sqmt.
Chandan, Cycus, Ravan Ta d , Ashoka, Ficus
Ve g e t a t i o n
I n f a c t o r i a , G u l m o h a r, K i g e l i a P i n n a t a
To p o g r a p h y Primarily flat sloping towards river
Approach from Kala Ghoda Circle & University
Access
Road
Capacity 200 people in sky theatre
Wa t e r b o d y Vishwamitri River passing through the site
Design Commentary -
As discussed the prime areas in any Planetarium can be classified in 3 heads -
Visitor's Area / Exhibit Production Area / Services Administration Area
The design of the Sardar Patel Planetarium is based on a very simplistic grid pattern to accomodate the above-
mentioned areas in Ground + two floors. The plan is primarily a square shaped formation with grid pattern of 4M
X 4M repeated over & over again.
Ground floor houses office, booking counter and an open air theatre of 300 capacity , which is used for
educational functions by the school children . Entrance foyer is double height & the staircase from the foyer
leads to the First Floor, that mainly consists of exhibition area & service area. Subsequent area of each floor
decreases when we move up creating terraces & accommodating the tapered walls. This planetarium, basically
lacks production areas , as the tape preparation and sound recording are not in housed .
First floor consist of Exhibition Area , general toilets, store room & A.C. plant room , which causes a bit noise
pollution .From the first floor a wide flight of steps leads to the second floor , which houses sky theatre, its
waiting lounge and Administration area . Administration comprises of Director's cabin , computer room and
control room . Waiting area has huge glazed windows overlooking to the beautiful landscape
below . This waiting area is also serving the purpose of exhibition gallery. A separate staircase is provided in the
back alley , which leads to the catwalk area around the dome , from where , the gap between the inner dome &
structural members of the roof can be seen.
Exhibition Area -
Exhibition area is provided on two levels , ie, first floor level & second floor waiting lobby. There is only panel
display. Exhibition area lacks in models & active exhibits. Peripheral panels are Backlit and the others are lit by
spotlights.
Sky Theatre -
This sky theatre is engaged in introducing astronomy and space science to the public and to make alive the
star filled night sky under 12.5 M diameter projection dome . It can accommodate 200 people in its maximum
capacity . The theatre is air conditioned by A.C. plant room placed on first floor.
Projector - Auto - control space master projector is first of its type in Asia. Auxiliary projectors are kept inside
the sky theatre on a 50 CM projected slab around the whole periphery of the dome , as the service gallery is
missing in this planetarium .
Acoustics - Walls of the theatre are carpeted and wooden flooring adds to the absorption of sound . Dome is
constructed of powder coated perforate aluminum sheets , which deadens the sound.
Seating - Seating is arranged in circular pattern . As thechair's back are fixed and not able to tilt ' tired neck '
can be a problem for the visitors . Width of the Front Aisle is 1M and distance between the rows of chairs is 35
CM.
Sound System - Screen mounted speakers are provided at the zenith and horizon level (2M)
Lighting System - Cove lights are provided around the complete perimeter of the dome . Some additional lights
are provided near the control console , entrance - exit & projector booth . The control of the lights is from control
console.
Structure -
Screen dome is fabricated using a aluminum space frame which is supported on the R.C.C. ring beam . Inner
dome is covered with powder coated perforated Aluminum sheets. The dome is not visible from outside the
building, as the tapered walls are covering the screen dome from all four sides , working as the outer structural
dome.
Form -
Planetarium is designed to be merged with the other buildings situated in the lush green Saya ji Baugh .
Architecturally,the building is free from the traditional form of the planetarium , as its dome is not visible from the
outside .
A sense of interest has been tried to create by cutting the doors and windows are cut at different levels into the
solid mass of the building. Designer has played with levels , utilizing the maximum area available , while
maintaining the form of the building.

India International Center Complex

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India International Center Complex

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\ INDIA INTERNATIONAL CENTER

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 44 44

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 45 45

The whole complex can be divided in three wings:

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 46 46

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 47 47

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 48 48

Auditorium Administration Office, Publications Drinking water

Conference Room (80 Per.), Computer wing record room

Engg. Room, Program office

Board room (17 per.)

NORTH WING (RESIDENTIAL BLOCK)

It consists of 55 single rooms and 26 double rooms at all floors.

SOUTH WING(PROGRAM BLOCK)

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 49 49

It consists of following areas

Lounge, Toilet block, Bakery Shop, Pantry

Dinning Hall having capacity of 120 persons

Private Dinning hall

Conference hall with seating capacity of 80 persons

Open terrace for organizing parties

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 50 50

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 51 51

STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 52 52

For the auditorium windows and between

the guest room balconies, Jalis of traditional blue

glazed tile were used. While entirely shading the

windows in summer, the jalis allow in welcome sun in

 Easily approachable from the front porch and pedestrian entrance

 Serves as foyer to the auditorium

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 53 53

 Fully glazed walls for complete transparency

 Consists of reception counter.

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 54 54

 240 seating capacity

 About 260 sqm area including stage and backstage area

 Regular hexagonal unit with each side 36’ long

 Proscenium stage 18 feet deep, wooden flooring, 3 feet high

 Designed to function as multipurpose hall

 2 Aisles in between (1.6 M wide)

 Wooden paneling on wall facing the stage.

 It has 6 cubicles for quiet reading

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 55 55

 Reception cum issue and deposit counter on the entrance.

 Book stacks on the left of the circulation passage which divides

 Reading zone has windows overlooking the central lawn.

 Special booths for internet/photocopying/ typewriting etc.

Kitchen and Dinning facilities

 For members and guests

 It has dinning hall for 120 persons.

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 56 56

 The lounge offers a more informal seating for discussions.

 Two conference halls with seating capacity of 80 persons in both.

 A small control room adjacent to it

 A service corridor is running parallel to conference hall on southern side

 Second one in residential block on second floor

 Has a pyramidal roof

 Wooden strips on the walls for acoustical treatment

 Overlooking the Lodhi gardens and has been appropriately glazed.

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 57 57

SPACE EDUCATION & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, CHANDIGARH 58 58

 Air Conditioning is effective.