Akshita Malik

AR2059

With Gol gumbaz standing as a symbol of power, its monumental scale and solidity commanding reverence, the project emerges as a deliberate contrast- a literal oxymoron that retains the concept of the monument but defies its form. Instead of power, the project evokes humility, instead of weight it embraces lightness. The project neither submits to the grandeur of the colossal giant nor seeks to rival the towering height of Gol Gumbaz. Instead, it finds its identity in the tension between deference and distinction, standing as a counterpoint to the monument’s commanding presence. At the heart of the project is a core that retains the essence of Gol Gumbaz, imitating its square plan to symbolize weight and power. Around this core, the design embraces lightness and openness, replacing thick masonry with slender steel columns that create transparency and fluidity. The core’s magnetic presence influences every space. Whether in the hammam, library, or meeting rooms, visitors feel a constant connection to its commanding weight. This interplay between the heavy, monumental core and the airy, open surroundings creates a dynamic experience, blending reverence for history with a celebration of modernity and movement.