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MOFA Studio Water Sports Centre Goa boldly reflects modern architectural expression among other leisure institutions. Inspired by the ocean, it takes the form of a kind of mythical Greek God/sea creature. Short-term and long-term courses are provided by the facility concerning water sports, rescue operations for the defence forces, and BBA and MBA in travel and tourism.
The state’s main attractions are its beaches, nightclubs, cruises, and vernacular forts and churches. Water sports in Goa is one of the activities that people greatly rely on for the city’s economic growth. Goa architecture projects in collaboration with MOFA studio projects are redefining the coastal landscape, blending modern aesthetics with the state’s rich heritage.
Modern architecture in Goa is taking its first steps into breathing new life through parametric design and local materials. The winning entry of an international design competition takes to life in Panaji, one of the top water sports destinations in Goa. The two key objectives of the design brief were
- To design a bold, iconic statement with an expression that extends beyond mere functional pragmatism
- To adopt a fresh approach to typical Goan architecture which incorporates a global yet vernacularly resonating design
The structure integrates cultural and economic significance through its continuous fluid movement, making it one of the modern architectural landmarks in Goa.
Some awe-inspiring characteristics
MOFA studios’ curation of the National Institute of Water Sports stands as an inspiration to the innovative water sports facilities in Goa. Sculpted by mimicking the dynamic energy, it represents an undulating form, reminiscent of crashing waves, resulting in a visually striking architectural masterpiece.
This 12,075 sqm diagrid scaly parametric structure carries the largest digitally fabricated roof. Formed of three interlinking curves connected by a rectangular block, the structure is divided into different zones – institutional, administrative, residential, and recreational. A free-flowing wave is represented through its 4000 sqm roof. Constructed using a lightweight grid shell structure with trapezoidal panelling with over 5000 customized colour-coded panels, fitted in like a jigsaw puzzle over it.
The National Institute of Water Sports creates a globally and locally attractive and functional design language that caters to architecture, education, and Goa. The design boundaries between the interior and exterior of the structure and the roof and floor, are blurred through its fluid design. The strategically eye-catching architecture is assembled with continuous gutters ensuring an unobstructed water flow, adding to its roof’s complexity in this efficient structural roof design. To create a minimal physical expression connecting the main block to the hostels, a parametric wall was initiated, that does not completely enclose the space, but directs the students’ path.
Unlike usual government institutions, this doesn’t have a formal entrance or foyer. The three informal entrances lead to different parts of the institution – one leads to the student zone with student lounges, the second leads to the auditorium, library, administration and some classrooms, and the last entrance leads to the hostels and guest rooms. All three entrances form a central convergence in the form of a large open space with the dining within this space. This central space acts like an interconnecting knot that holds the individual wings together. The spaces are well organized within this unconventional design. The east incorporates a rainwater pond that captures and stores the water, constructed using a balanced and equal cut-and-fill method.
Exclusivity in details
The material palette for this project considered the Goan architectural context while prioritising longevity and a reduced carbon footprint. Local granite was used for cladding the louvres, which reduced overall heat gain in the structure owing to its created air gaps. While local laterite masonry walls helped control the microclimate, the facades and walls of the structure are integrated with a low emissivity glass that reflects almost 70 per cent of the heat. The lightweight double roof with a pressure equalisation system is finished with low-maintenance colour-coated Galvalume panels. Centrally, it is mainly constructed of concrete, followed by a steel grid shell structure with metal sheets and diamond panels.
The interiors are designed to facilitate a sense of freedom and creativity through their simple fluid design, neutral palette, high ceilings, and ample natural light and ventilation. Large windows provide the teaching spaces with serene views, creating a good connection between the interior and the exterior, just as between the student and his/her passion. Strategic pops of rust orange provide direction within the neutrally coloured interiors, while also depicting the old sunsets of Goa, laterite?s rust and old ships. The central corridor is illuminated by a translucent glazing from above. Through its fluid dialogue, there is always a shifting play of light and shadow.
A continuously exposed red-brick stepped wall creates a semi-shaded stairway. At times, some of the large open spaces turn into informal classrooms, keeping the curious surfer’s mind creative while facilitating encouragement and focus. Connected through informal passages, the unobstructed flow of spaces defines the fluidity of architecture in the institution.
A personal touch is added throughout the design considering the physical and mental well-being of the institutional staff and students. The hostel railings are exclusively designed to dry clothes considering the student life. With the hostels specifically designed serpentine skylights, the students can dry their clothes in the diffused natural light.
Hiccups along the way
While the project stands as an ambitious experiment today, it came with its set of challenges. A project built to this scale and complexity requires a good budget, which is held back due to tight Government budget constraints. The tight budgets and the lowest bid contract were two constraints that led us to adopt a systematic approach. Choices concerning the right use of material and good technology were brought about to simplify the construction method with one part of the office entirely focused on innovating newer and simpler methods. Navigating rigid government protocols came with several negotiations with various stakeholders through multiple stages of the project development. An important challenge was convincing the locals of the nearby village of the working of the project. It was quite a journey with the design team and contractor, especially concerning articulating the granular roof.
The creation of NIWS by MOFA Studio stands not only as an architectural institution marvel but also as a mega public art installation catering to aesthetics just as much as sustainability, functionality, and encouragement. It has set a new benchmark for the design of institutions in general, and also, institutions that are located in a city that has the best water sports in Goa. The building’s unique design, coupled with its educational and recreational offerings, is sure to reflect its economic growth and tourist attraction.