Vaghul Kumar

AR2057

In a biodiverse forest, where tree crowns display “crown shyness,” the egalitarian bio-engineers of the world have made their home. In this region, a dense, interwoven canopy of trees rises above an undulating, perforated landscape. The seeds of these trees are encased in trunks where they meet the ground, cultivated by the communal Rakshasis who have shaped their environment to harmonize with nature. The architecture is layered, appearing to stretch and grow while remaining solid. The architecture is a testament to growth, with layered forms that appear to stretch yet maintain a solid structure, emphasizing a concept of growth and stratification. Living shells break through the canopy, and the Rakshasi climb steep ramps formed by these protrusions. They inhabit these shells as labs, resting spaces, and ceremonial areas. In the tallest shells, a network of living terrariums houses seeds from all extinct species, honoring the Rakshasas’ biological expertise. Soft, undulating surfaces connect the shells, spanning various levels. Shaped by the trees, these forms accommodate the unique physicality of the Rakshasi and serve as spaces for lounging, socializing, and movement—forming their interpretation of a “street.”