SERVICE BLOCK INDOLOGY

As we stood before the iconic structure designed by Balkrishna Doshi in the 1960s, we felt the weight of responsibility settle on our shoulders. The task at hand was not just an addition; it was a delicate dialogue between the old and the new.

The institution had requested a toilet block, a small workshop space, and a lift for accessibility. We had many questions: How do we connect these new elements to a masterpiece without intruding on its legacy?

It was essential to ensure that whatever we introduced felt as though it had always belonged to the structure, yet still stood apart as a distinct entity. This required an intense study of the existing elements—examining the scale, proportions, materials, and the unique lines that defined the original design. We focused on three guiding principles: the choice of materials, the articulation of lines, and the careful management of levels. Each decision had to reflect the spirit of Doshi’s work while forging a new narrative. The challenge was not merely to add but to terminate the building in a way that felt harmonious—a kind of architectural exclamation mark that complemented rather than overshadowed. The resulting ramp, leading to the lift, has today transformed into a vital pedestrian access point, connecting the Institute of Indology to the L D museum. This extension for us is a study in juxtapositions and superimpositions of time, identity and material studies.

Team : Khushnu Panthaki Hoof, Sönke Hoof, Jerin J Panackel