Architects: Abin Design Studio
Location: Chinsurah, India
Area: 230 m²
Year: 2020
Photographs: Edmund Sumner, Suryan // Dang
Empowering Youth through Sports
Government Initiative:
In 2017, the Bengal state government demonstrated its commitment to promoting sports and extracurricular activities by allocating a sum of 2 lakh rupees to state clubs and associations. This initiative set the stage for Abin Design Studio (ADS) to embark on a meaningful project in the culturally rich town of Bansberia, where football holds a special place in the community’s heart.
Architectural Response to Community Needs
Inspired Engagement:
Responding to a local coaching club’s vision of a clubhouse tailored for young football enthusiasts, ADS embraced the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the neighborhood. The Waterfront Arena, completed in 2020, reflects a harmonious balance between design, budget considerations, and a vision for easy maintenance. To fuel the initiative, a funding strategy engaged the local community and garnered support from city-based associates who contributed raw materials, setting the project in motion.
Strategic Location:
Situated against the backdrop of a water body and overlooking a football field, the Waterfront Arena maximizes its unique setting. The architectural approach embraces responsible waterfront development, utilizing the narrow strip of land to create a community-centric club. The ground floor encompasses a multipurpose gathering space with gender-specific toilet and shower facilities, while the upper floor transforms into a viewing deck for football matches.
Challenges and Sustainable Solutions
Contextual Sustainability:
Operating in a rural town facing infrastructural challenges, the project aimed at holistic sustainable development. Minimizing construction costs became pivotal, prompting collaboration with local builders, engineers, and community members. The use of locally sourced construction materials and engagement of local workmen not only reduced costs but also promoted inclusive and sustainable economic growth within the community.
Water and Sanitation Solutions:
Acknowledging the lack of clean water and sanitation facilities during training sessions, the Waterfront Arena prioritized providing a dignified solution. The building incorporates drinking water and showering facilities, with separate provisions for girls to encourage their participation in sports.
Architectural Harmony and Integration
Sensitive Orientation:
Designed to welcome the morning sun and provide shade from afternoon glare, the building’s orientation enhances the experience for both athletes and accompanying guardians. The monolithic form and minimalistic facade seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings dominated by greenery and water. Semi-open spaces facilitate a smooth transition between the interior and exterior, fostering an uninterrupted flow of people, light, and air.
Community-Driven Project:
Embodying a “by the people, for the people” ethos, the Waterfront Arena places the onus of maintenance on club members. Opting for low-maintenance materials and finishes, such as Form Finish Concrete and Pigmented Neat Cement Concrete Flooring, ensures not only cost-effectiveness during construction but also minimal upkeep requirements.
Cultural Symbol and Community Hub
Philanthropic Legacy:
Waterfront Arena transcends its utilitarian identity to become a symbol of culture and community recreation. A testament to philanthropy, this ADS initiative, supported by the community, represents hope for a brighter future for a rural community in a developing nation. The impact of the project extends beyond quantitative assessments, delving into the challenges it addresses and its responsiveness to contextual needs. The resulting structure is not just a clubhouse; it’s a shared space where individuals of all ages converge to celebrate, collaborate, and nurture their athletic talents.
