Page 82 - HUDCO DESIGN AWARDS

ATAL AKSHAY URJA BHAWAN, NEW DELHI

Atal Akshaya Urja Bhavan is designed on a 2.76 acre plot in CGO The location of the site was a pivotal factor
complex area, Lodhi Road, New Delhi by the Ministry of New and in the design decisions taken. The green
Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. oasis of the Lodhi Garden the historic
edifice of Safdarjung’s tomb; the cultural
magnet of India Habitat Centre and the
symbol of Delhi’s ambition – Jawaharlal Nehru
Stadium, along with all the other culturally
important buildings peppered along the
Lodhi area, all influenced the site.
Being surrounded by public landmarks
assured visibility and accessibility to the
site. Also located near the metro station
ensured proximity to public transport. Overall
the site provided an opportunity to build a
landmark as a value addition to the
surroundings.
• Adequately represent what this ministry
stands for, a benchmark development:
This benchmark net zero project should
set a new precedent in building design, to
be replicated and display the evidence of
judicious use of renewable energy.
• Integrate the building with public use and
perception: Create a public interface,
keeping security and safety needs of the
building intact, to showcase the
strategies to the general public and
respond to the urban fabric in which the
building is situated, to encourage debate
and conversation. Make a larger
statement: Use the building to address
the urban issues and concerns; for
instance pollution, congestion, the lack of
public space etc. Ensure a truly Energy
efficient structure: Ensure that the
building is not a superficial representation
of a net zero building, but has
performance integrity. This would be done
even at the material level, with low
embodied energy materials.

Left| Urja Pavillion - The plaza seeks to create a new
public entity, where people can mingle.