Vaidehi Milind Ghatwai

IR3007

Within the walls of Mandu

Site: Gada Shah’s Shop Nature of Project: Adaptive Reuse Built Area: 1200 sq. m.  This site is located in Mandu, nearly 100 km from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The so-called “shop” was once the Hall of Audience probably for the general public, the Hindola-Mahal to the west being meant for select assemblies, which seems confirmed from the common style of the two buildings. The present construction was, however, planed on a larger scale, the hall being much larger in size, the thrust of its gigantic arches being counteracted by extremely massive buttresses built along the walls in spite of which the building is now in a ruined condition. Unlike the natural stone facing of the Hindola-Mahal, the walls of this edifice were plastered over and further adorned with colored tiles, traces of which could still be seen. The site consists of two baodis, Ujala Baodi, and Andheri Baoli. Program Overview The project is an to attempt to introduce a Museum in the built that is ruined now. The exhibits will be the sculptures that are exhibited in Taveli Mahal, Mandu. A part of the museum will house the traditional Gond Art of Madhya Pradesh as an initiative to bring in the locals.


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The courtyard acts as a pause in the museum, with the change in the experience of the light quality that is reflected through the still water. The spaces don’t have more than one opening and hence are dark. Therefore, in such a scenerio the courtyard and the water become crucial elements to bring in light.

5. The initial idea of staircase with massive walls wherein the steps are hidden within the thickness of walls. The staircase connects the different levels of the built.

1. The walls in ruins have been finished using modern materials to give a sense of completion. The old and the new together support the roof that encloses the café.

An idea of using the mass of the walls and creating spaces within it was used to design the toilet block, which borrows attributes from the existing structures.

2. The interior has been finished plaster. The openings and arches were left as it is to emphasize their character. A view of the reception area.

Section AA - Through the central bay of the built

Section BB- Through the staircase

Section CC - Through the museum and cafe.

First Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan