This special section covers an out-of-the-box design with steel as an essential element of the design. The main aim of this section is to showcase how steel can be innovatively used in today’s world of architecture.
Here’s Ar. Bhupendra Kumar, Founder – CEO, Aeiforia Architects, unveils their out-of-the-box design concept, that ought to turn the tables in the future…
“Notions of India” is best represented as an epitome of value, virtue, passion, and pride that comes to life in the form of the sculpture – “TAAJ-THE CORE OF INDIA”. Heralding the age of innovation, development and economic growth, India is an emerging global force to reckon with. Characterized by its unique talent pool driven by passion, India is vastly present in all types of leadership roles in diverse fields.
India has proved to be one of forerunners in fields such as research, space, engineering, medicine, physics, military, etc. Not only earning accolades in all spheres, but India is also recognized for its rich cultural heritage and value as well, which constitutes the country’s soul. Thus, it is only apt to say that in the coming future, one will see India sprinting towards the top, to don the crown of success and worldwide leadership, personified in the sculpture known to be – “TAAJ-THE CORE OF INDIA”
Concept
The very inspiration for this sculpture has been derived from the rich history of thecountry that dates to as old as the Gupta and Ashokan Era. While all tread the path of progress and growth looking forward
to the future, at the same time, Indians feel fortunate and blessed for the heritage passed on by their ancestors. The inevitable law of nature is surely evolution and progress, but what binds this new growth together is its core and roots.
Thus, articulating further on the idea of core and more, it gradually culminates into this iconic symbol –
“TAAJ – THE CORE OF INDIA” depicting India’s commitment to a progressive modern future while always paying tribute to its ancient roots and heritage. What better way to personify the strength of new India – with Tata Structura, a nationwide steel giant committed and instrumental in building the nation. The sculpture has been designed using Tata Structural sections of varying dimensions, to come together in the presented form.
The central core of the outdoor sculpture stands strong in the form of four circular columns made of 300 mm diameter circular hollow section grouped together to form structures main spine. This central core is strongly inspired from the Ashokan Pillar or Stambha – national emblem of India, synonymous with royalty and strength.
Features
The crown of the sculpture is inspired from the Lion capital of Ashokan pillar that exuberates the essence of leadership –an integral attribute of India that makes us the force to reckon with.
The contemporary designed spokes, each originating from the central core and spreading out to its utmost peak finally to converge again in a seamless trajectory, back to its origin. These expanding spokes are synonymous with the magnanimity of the Himalayas, depicting its strength and benevolence at the same time
The very existence of these colossal mountains is a reminder to the humankind of the sheer gigantic strength a nation like India possesses but only to protect and pave its path to glory and never to harm. The delicate inner sections, add the desired attributes of finesse and delicacy, in an otherwise robust hardcore structure.The outer frames or spokes spread out to the maximum extent in its length, as its significant with the leap that one must make to achieve maximum growth and development, thereby pushing boundaries.The absolute top view of the sculpture renders an image deriving its inspiration from the “Ashokan Chakra”- when each spoke depicting the path of progress for its country.
The Ashoka Chakra draws its significance as a part of the Indian National Flag one of the national symbols. The overall birds’ eye view depicts the structure in a Crown form withdrawing its inspiration from a king’s crown, also called Taaj in hindi, personifying leadership and success at its peak.
The overall sculpture is a reminder to the Nation, of nation’s glorious past and the need to spread out boldly to achieve success, pride, and growth for India. The sculpture has been conceptualized and articulated in a way, that the public can effectively integrate itself into its fabric through the circulatory deck and experience it visually from inside out.
With a strong foot hold on the ground, it stands- “The Taaj” brings to life the pride and passion of India reinvented in the form of New India, a global force to join hands with. The tensile and ductile steel that
imparts shape to the sculpture renders a bold and true depiction of India’s first ever symbol of “The shape of Things to Come”.
Why Steel
There is no better material than Steel, to represent and capture the essence of Strength and Solidarity of a country like India, that is treading its path to leave an indelible mark of success on the world and growing from strength to strength. One can easily associate these attributes with the sculpture designed in steel using Tata Structura Tubes, that breathes life into the transformational realms of India.
Architect’s Interpretation:
“The sculpture has been conceptualized and articulated in a way, that the public can effectively integrate itself into its fabric through the circulatory deck and experience it visually from inside out. With a strong foot hold on the ground, it stands- “The Taaj” brings to life the pride and passion of India reinvented in the form of New India, a global force to join hands with. The tensile and ductile steel that actually imparts shape to the sculpture renders a bold and true depiction of India’s first ever symbol of “The shape of Things to Come”.”
Bhupendra Kumar, Founder – CEO, Aeiforia Architects
