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- Project: Hampi Arts Lab
- Architects: Sameep Padora and Associates (sP+a)
- Principal Architect: Sameep Padora
- Area: 35,136 m?
- Year of Completion: 2024
- Photography: Aagam Mehta, Kartik Rathod, Kunal Sharma, Sameep Padora
Architecture is often considered an artistic endeavour. The degree of ?art? against ?technology? in architecture is a long ongoing debate, although something is for sure: both ventures share the struggle to find inspiration and then mould it into a form.
Hampi Art Labs is an initiative of the JSW Foundation, founded by Sangita Jindal. The vision was to create a cultural hub that not only celebrated contemporary art but also paid homage to the rich cultural legacy of its surroundings. Positioned adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi in India, this art centre serves as a vibrant hub for artists, fostering creativity and collaboration.
Despite being in seemingly close proximity to such a strong context, the site itself was barren when discovered and described in the design brief. Approximately 35 km from the ruins of Hampi, the site was devoid of any vegetation or features when the architects first visited it. It was a blank canvas; while that seems to have infinite potential, it is always the first stroke that the artist struggles with.
Creating the ?Flow?
Sameep Padora and Associates (sP+a) approached this project with a profound sense of responsibility, considering the historical significance of the site context. Hampi, once the vibrant capital of the Vijayanagara Empire between the 14th and early 17th centuries, witnessed the construction of forts, temples, and waterways?a testament to an enduring architectural legacy.
The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, ?No man can ever step in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.? The architecture of Hampi Art Labs mirrors the curves of the Tungabhadra River that flows through Hampi. The undulating forms evoke the ever-changing flow of the river, creating a dynamic and harmonious design. The buildings seem to emerge organically from the landscape, their contours echoing the natural riverbanks. As sunlight dances on the water, it also plays upon the facades of the structures, creating a mesmerising interplay of light and shadow.
?Recreation?
The architects prioritized using materials readily available in the region? either due to its geographical context or its modern industrial context for having one of India?s largest steel plants.
The earth excavated from the site itself was used as the formwork for casting the structures? fluidic forms, emphasizing a connection to the land. Recycled stone mosaics were incorporated into the landscape design, creating pathways that wind through the art centre.
The distinctive colour of the buildings was achieved using iron oxide, sourced from the nearby JSW Vijayanagar Works?one of India?s largest steel and cement-producing facilities. This deliberate choice not only reflects the local context but also adds a warm, earthy hue to the structures. Locally sourced terracotta adorns the roof, while the walking pathways are surrounded by garden beds designed to camouflage the hardscape with the surroundings.
A Multifunctional Creative Space
Hampi Art Labs spans an expansive 18-acre, thoughtfully designed to accommodate artists? needs. Within this sprawling canvas, various production facilities, creative workspaces, galleries, and more await exploration.
Production Facilities
The labs house state-of-the-art studios where artists can unleash their creativity. These spacious workspaces provide ample room for artistic experimentation across different mediums. Ceramic workshops equipped with specialized tools cater to artists interested in pottery, sculpture, and other clay-based art forms. Exhibition areas serve as dynamic platforms for showcasing artists? work, fostering dialogue, and engaging with visitors.
Creative Workspaces
The workspaces at Hampi Art Labs are flushed with natural light, encouraging artists to immerse themselves in their craft. These areas are designed to spark ideas, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary exploration. Whether a painter seeking solitude or a collaborative team brainstorming innovative projects, these workspaces adapt to diverse artistic needs.
Galleries and Residency Apartments
Dedicated gallery spaces within the labs allow artists to exhibit their creations. Curated exhibitions provide exposure and connect artists with a wider audience. Residency apartments, nestled amidst the natural beauty of Hampi, offer artists a serene retreat. Here, they can focus on their work, draw inspiration from their surroundings, and recharge creatively.
The program features are simple and aimed at creating the best experiences and environments for the artists and the audience alike.
Artist Residencies
The labs host artists from diverse backgrounds, providing them with time and space to delve into their artistic practice. Residencies foster dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Artists immerse themselves in the landscape, drawing inspiration from the historical ruins, lush greenery, and the timeless spirit of Hampi.
Creative Workshops and Collaborations
Regular workshops and masterclasses led by seasoned artists enhance the creative community. These sessions cover techniques, skill development, and critical discussions. Collaborative projects encourage artists to collaborate across disciplines, pushing boundaries and creating meaningful art.
Community Engagement
Hampi Art Labs actively engages with the local artistic community. Outreach programs, art festivals, and educational initiatives bridge the gap between artists and the public. By involving the community, the labs contribute to the cultural fabric of the region.
Meandering through
As visitors walk through the art centre, they encounter unexpected vistas?the juxtaposition of ancient stone walls with contemporary sculptures, the play of light filtering through the foliage, and the distant echoes of history. Hampi Art Labs invites contemplation, dialogue, and artistic expression. It?s a canvas waiting to be filled, a space where artists can engage with the past, respond to the present, and shape the future.
Sources
- https://www.architecturaldigest.in/story/hampi-art-labs-a-new-sanctuary-for-artists-is-inspired-by-the-regions-rocky-topography-sameep-padora/
- https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-news/fzfcn/india-s-new-arts-centre-hampi-art-labs-to-open-in-february-2024-with-right-foot-first-exhibition.html
- https://www.stirworld.com/see-features-hampi-art-labs-an-undulating-harbour-of-creativity-and-heritage-by-sp-a
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j8vwi3K8WM
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwVHbD90fXg
- https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/hampi-art-labs-sameep-padora-india