DTU Raj Soin Hall
New Delhi
Overview
The Raj Soin Hall is an ambitious project by Delhi Technological University that needed to cater to 3000 people. The project was won by Creators Architect (CA) vide a competition, wherein the project requirement was to have a footfall of 3000 people, CA presented a case for such halls being utilised during a large part of the year and created a scheme that was scalable and of multiuse.
The infrastructure of such capacities in institutions usually sees full capacities one few days in a year. Rest of the days they remain vacant causing the building footprint to be extremely underutilized. The endeavor was to create a convertible facility that can have a flexible scale to accommodate varying needs. This way, the utilised carbon footprint can not only be optimized, but also building can deliver its real value.
Concept
The concept presented by CA was the utilization of the complete space in multiple manners for different various activities. The first step was to question how some of the conventional elements which are used for creating a 3000 seater hall can be strategically taken away with a different technology to open possibilities.
One of such elements was seats were arranged. The other was how to structure over it was built and associated services like AC. The concept itself required a ground up rethinking of design elements with technology to create an integrated design.
The ambition was to achieve a building design that feels different from the outside and functions flexibility on the inside.
Design
The design of this hall is a fine example of integrated design. It takes care of the user and the technology has been embedded and integrated with the design to give a seamless structure feeling.
It was designed like an auditorium style with step seating at the back and floor seating in the front. This allowed the front area to be used as floor seating or any activities like sports when the hall is not being used to its full capacity. There was a permanent large stage and a flexible mid floor provision to put up stage if required. The stands cater to 1800 capacity and the remaining capacity was on the floor. The underside of the stands is being used for cafeteria and other activities making the entire footprint very very usable. The cafeteria side extends further into the plaza making the building very inviting.
On the outside, the staircases are designed in such a way that the winding nature gives the sense of exploration. The curves on the roof are characterised by the fluid designs to make them stand apart. This architectural innovation portrays the feeling of a floating canopy which breaks the monotony and the straight line culture thus making it very interesting.
The hall is outlined with seamless curves and lightweight structures on the top which exemplifies the state of the art of technology From the climatic perspective, it is a low carbon footprint building. The whole structure has an extremely soothing eccentric dynamics to it for the flowing nature of the roof profile. The roof reflects 95% of the heat and the balance 5 % perforates down inside the hall acts as a cushion between the people and the roof.
The indoor is flushed as per the ASHRAE guidelines for the air ventilation. The routing of HVAC ducts is done in such a way that it not only delivers comfort by also add decor to the interiors. It has natural features of beating the wind flow and beating the heat from the top and the sides.
The hall is equipped with full proof disaster management system of fire protection and evacuation system. Special attention has been given to the evacuation strategy i.e. how will people move in and move out for all capacities whether the hall is fully occupied or semi occupied. Staircases also play an important role in architectural design.
This hall has a utilization far exceeding than a conventional auditorium with an eco friendly environment because of less usage of concrete and cost effectiveness.
Key features
Utilization of the complete space in multiple manners for different various activities.
An auditorium delivering all its native facilities but can be transformed into another action zone easily by simple flexible adjustments.
It was designed like an auditorium style with step seating at the back and floor seating in the front.
It is a low carbon footprint building.
The ASHRAE guidelines are adhered to for the air ventilation.
The floating canopy of the roof breaks the monotony and the straight line culture of the campus making it very interesting.
Special attention has been given to the evacuation strategy.
Makes Impossible outcomes possible.