Urban and architectural conception of a mixed-used building complex — SG Highway, Ahmedabad, Indien — 17.000 m² — 02. 2014 — HN Safal Group, Ahmedabad
A landmark for Ahmedabad
What constitutes a landmark? To shape the face of a city and present a point of orientation for resident and visitor. Two characteristics, which Mondeal Square satisfied already soon after its opening. Since 2007 the architectural office in Ahmedabad has been collaborating with the HN Safal Group, amongst others: Mondeal Heights Ahmedabad.
Located in Ahmedabad's burgeoning suburb Prahladnagar on the S.G. Highway, the ensemble offers a total floor space of 17,000 square metres, of which 3,600 comprise commercial space, as well as ten storeys for office usage. During the day, the striking structure of the curtain façade defines the two buildings. The vertical struts and horizontal panes made of white aluminium profiles serve not only for a long-range effect but also for shade. A significant locational advantage in India's sunny west – and a statement for sustainable construction, as this, after all, reduces the use of air conditioners. As a contrast to the main façade, the rear side of the building is stylishly more restrained with a horizontal lamella façade. This is where the stairwells are located, also providing access – besides the elevators - to the office floors from the third to the tenth floor.
Fusion of architecture and public space
At night, the ensemble unfolds a very special charm. The buildings have the largest media facade in India, consisting of LED bands with a total length of approximately five kilometres, covering the 5,300 square metre glazed façade. They can be lit completely individually to display movement, colour sequences or even silhouettes of moving figures.
The differently sized, large square openings of the rear façade also light up then, and together with the illuminated plaza with furniture, staircases and vegetation culminate in an illuminated crescendo. A touch of gaily colourful art in the urban space. And this in a deeply symbolic location. Situated on a striking corner plot, by virtue of the elliptical shape of the buildings, two lifelines of the city are brought together, namely S.G. Highway and Prahladnagar Road. The buildings meet the passer-by with an inviting gesture – also because of the fusion of architecture and public space. The outdoor areas and staircases pick up on the height differences of the surroundings, and form an organic unit of plateaus and stepped landscapes. The Planners, moreover, renounced an obvious, structural boundary and relied on palms as a natural green marker. They are at the same time a symbol for the aspiring Ahmedabad and the rich history of the city.
