‘the kalari pavilion’ by bangalore, india-based samvad design studio, is conceived as a light, porous, linear bamboo structure juxtaposed against a low concrete mass reflecting the program, a semi-private, yogic martial arts practice space and a private healing space respectively. dense neighborhoods in urbanized pockets of bangalore have seen a surge of vertical extension — this pavilion is also one such extension with a constraint to be dismantled at will.

a bamboo pavilion for yogic martial arts in bangalore, india, by samvad design studio
the pavilion acknowledges its urban context by allowing impressions of the context through its screens

 

 

samvad design studio’s pavilion is erected on a load-bearing structure, on the second floor, in a quintessential mixed-use neighborhood. the design tries to negotiate its context by allowing the existing organic surroundings to interact with a designed intervention, where mature trees form the walls along with bamboo screens, tied rhythmically with industrial precision, creating a light pavilion, modulating light and wind.

a bamboo pavilion for yogic martial arts in bangalore, india, by samvad design studio
tall, linear, porous bamboo pavilion juxtaposed against a low concrete mass, tucked between and through the foliage

 

 

instead of creating an aloof vertical extension, the attempt was to render an impression of urbanity which can be perceived through the bamboo structure. a minimal and industrial-like quality of the pavilion warranted bamboos of a fairly uniform cross-section. in the local variety of bamboo, the cross-section tapers beyond 10 feet — the proportion of the screen wall is derived from this parameter.

a bamboo pavilion for yogic martial arts in bangalore, india, by samvad design studio
arrival denoted by a black impervious plane transitioning into a porous, light sifting volume

 

 

the structural grid of the metal columns is reflected on the floor grid; the black oxide floor and low-height parapet walls form a seamless black vessel, contrasting the light-shifting bamboo screen above, echoing the traditional practice arenas which were dark, earthen pits, open to the sky.

a bamboo pavilion for yogic martial arts in bangalore, india, by samvad design studio
use of industrial material palette like metal and sheet roof in conjunction with bamboo

 

a bamboo pavilion for yogic martial arts in bangalore, india, by samvad design studio
black oxide floor and parapet form a heavy ‘vessel’ contrasting with the light structure above

 

a bamboo pavilion for yogic martial arts in bangalore, india, by samvad design studio
the structural grid of the metal columns are reflected on the floor grid

 

a bamboo pavilion for yogic martial arts in bangalore, india, by samvad design studio
lower, private volumes behind the porous, semi-public volume

 

a bamboo pavilion for yogic martial arts in bangalore, india, by samvad design studio
the lantern-like structure modulates light and wind

 

a bamboo pavilion for yogic martial arts in bangalore, india, by samvad design studio
bamboo screens, tied rhythmically with industrial precision

 

a bamboo pavilion for yogic martial arts in bangalore, india, by samvad design studio
the pavilion is perched on the second floor, in a quintessential mixed-use neighborhood

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: maria erman | designboom