Text description provided by the architects. The revitalization of the Delhi Art Gallery required a complete restructuring of interior spaces and the positioning of a striking architectural exterior to sit in with the contours of the heritage precinct of the 13th century Hauzkhas village, Delhi. The new simple facade stands apart from today’s chaotic urban sprawl, yet still resonates with the region’s historic fabric.
The interior of the gallery had constraints of structural stability as the space was fragmented into various sections across adjacent buildings. The challenge was to fuse disparate spaces and create cohesive volumes with visual connect across the three levels of the main gallery, constantly surprising and delighting visitors. From this we managed to carve out a private zone for a large administrative block that seamlessly and more importantly - invisibly controls the gallery’s daily functioning. The sculpture court towards the end on the ground level is a dramatic, yet intimate space where the stone architecture adds another dimension to the experience of the works on display.
A strong contrast between the exterior and interior is visibly demonstrated as one walk into the reception area. The natural finish and roughness of the stone clad walls inside are heightened by the precision of the soft metal skin of the exterior, inspired by the surrounding fort.
The metal lattice work on exterior with its soft sheen stands majestically in the daytime making a gentle impact and in the night it glows and transforms into a dynamic monolith landmark in the busy street.
