DR.BALAMURUGAN COMMERCIAL AT TIRUNELVELI

The plot is a corner plot enveloped by the main road on the shorter side and a lateral road along the longer side. The site being linear and situated by tall buildings influenced the form of the commercial complex. The form was developed as a stacked configuration of offset of boxes due to the shape of the site and to maximize the builtup area while enhanacing the aesthetics of the design. In a context like this the strategy of the design was almost an attempt to visually grab the attention of viewers by making the façade look different. The planning of the commercial complex was such that two entries were provided, one from each road, leading to the different levels of the complex. The entry access was designed such that the different floors could be independently accessed by separate ramps and stairs with the central service core placed at the rear side of the site. It consists of a basement, ground floor, first floor with an exterior staircase and ramp access, second floor and third floor accessed through the service core and the fourth floor consists of provision for a rooftop restaurant. Each floor was designed as staggered blocks with sharp edges projecting outwards as cantilevered structures to create visual interest for the commuters on the road. The façade of the third floor was to be treated differently hence it is to be cladded with CNC panels with a perforated design to make the entire block look dazzling. The design was a typological departure from the rest of the commercial buildings in the town. It was done as a formal abstraction for intergrating the building design with its neighbourhood. The commercial complex design had to be dramatic and eye catching. Due to its rigid form and the limitation placed due to site restrictions, the play was done mostly with the inclined façade and sharp edges to create interest and the façade was treated with materials such as CNC panels, metal deck, exposed concrete and steel.