school in downtown atlanta
school in downtown atlanta
college
instructor
team
year
college
instructor
team
year
georgia institute of technology, atlanta, usa
prof. tarek rakha
kiran balakrishna, jane rodrigues, prerana kamat, ameya yawalkar
spring 2020
georgia institute of technology, atlanta, usa
prof. tarek rakha
kiran balakrishna, jane rodrigues, prerana kamat, ameya yawalkar
spring 2020
the accent - a journey to the summit
organizer
team
young architects competition
kiran balakrishna, abishek varadiah chandrashekar, kiran raj
Rwanda with its fascinating landscape of tropical forests, impetuous waterways, and lush fields, is set on a journey to evolve from its brutal history and poor economic development. An architectural intervention to create a unique identity for the community is further essential to gather people and build new memories. Thus, this design is an attempt to take the people of Rwanda on a pursuit of trauma and triumph. The chapel will behave like a focal point for community gathering and development.
chapel entrance
arcade of steel columns
We interrogate the thin line between protection and destruction, preservation, and progress; our projects claim that inhabiting involves not only construction but also adaptation; not only enlargement but also dismantling; not only discarding but also reusing, reducing and refurbishing. The lush hills that define the Rwanda landscape have inspired the play of form during design exploration. The circular chapel lies embedded in the earth, associating closely with the surrounding topography. Therefore, this rooted circular form encourages peace and introspection that form the basis for spiritual life. The cross that stands strong becomes a visible sign that nourishes, raises, and revives faith. It also creates an identity that the community may associate with. The circularity encourages a holistic inner experience teaching people the circle of life.
fresco painting over chapel's roof
aerial view of the complex
In addition to nourishing faith, it is equally important to strengthen community life. Architectural spaces that boost economic and social development, form an integral part of strengthening our capacity to connect as people. These congregational structures aim to start a new dialogue, based on emerging dynamics of social interactivity. The curved walls engulf spaces that are suitable for such social activities including classrooms for education. The cylindrical volumes that are placed around the chapel behave as meditative spaces with a soothing water body in the center and the high walls that connect to the divine. The arched corridors facilitate local markets in order to enhance the local economy. A roof system binds these structures into a contemporary grid that offers functional flexibility. All these structures blend with the contextual landscape to remind the people of Rwanda about the rich natural resources it holds and the importance of preservation and adaptation.
exploded sectional view
index
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Entrance portico
Informal preaching area (2)
Atrium
Nave
Circular seating
Altar table
Apse
Gospel reading
Parvis
Sacristy
Meditation area
Arcade of steel
columns
Bell Tower
Cross
CGD Glass
lateral section across the chapel
longitudinal section across the chapel