Permutations and Combinations for the simplistic layout

Initially conceived with a brief of smaller units that would be quick and easy to sell, the design brief adapted itself to accommodate the commercial needs of real estate in prime locations such as those of the site. While architecture must be crafted based on purist views, macro issues such as site location and geometry etc., for a commercial project, the mathematical numbers do influence the end-product. A rough mathematical survey that resulted in a 16000 sqft plate area, led the way for 2000 sq ft floor plates, from which 8 apartments could be carved out at one level, and 4 such levels would be created, resulting in 30-32 luxurious apartments. A result of this would have been that the middle ones would actually have very little openings, and would be compromised on account of daylight and ventilation. Another option was to plan 10 villas of approx. 500 sq yards each, but that too did not make commercial and design sense.

The final outcome of thesemultiple permutations and combinations was a simplistic layout that resulted in a four-sided open, butterfly-shaped plan, and a form that is typically not available in customary plotted developments in Delhi. As a result, a central movement and service core is crafted, around which four apartments each with, three-sided open so, 16 apartments, 4000 sq ft each are created, each of which is vaastu-enabled for enhanced saleability. A35ft strip of land is left free on all sides, and a landscaped, 30ft high green wall, visible from any window, rises high to enhance the views from within the apartments.

The apartment layout provides for entertainment spaces as a blend of indoor and semi-outdoor spaces, a large verandah (roughly 10ft x 35 ft) is hewn in next to the living area. Instead of a typical master bedroom, Master suites are designed with a sitting area opening into an outdoor deck. Wider spaces are crafted as opposed to narrow and long rooms treat with all rooms being endowed with spacious balconies, including the lounge and living room that extend outwards overlooking the greens for sit-out and informal entertaining balconies. Windows are designed so as to provide privacy from sibling units. Each of the 16 families would have access to the central, green oasis and recreational facilities that would be shared between them. A swimming pool, squash court, an open badminton court, and a tennis court are all accommodated on the plot of land that was rendered un-buildable, and a small area is fashioned into a private clubhouse, a gymnasium and Spa for leisure and entertainment.

Design Forum International is a young-old organization with almost 25 years of experience that has quickly set the right foot to be one of the best architecture firms in India. The firm is a vibrant mix of young and experienced professionals bounded by a common thread: the passion to design. An active contributor to the Nation Building drive and the Indian infrastructural boom, DFI holds vast industry experience in both national and international projects with millions of square feet of construction in a varied range of typology like Affordable Housing, Master planning, Mixed use & Retail, Institutional as well as Healthcare. Some of DFI’s notable projects include the famous Select Citywalk mall, and the recently inaugurated New Courts Block of Delhi High Court., the ITO Skywalk, Delhi and the Dakshineshwar Skywalk in Kolkata. The Guwahati International Airport in Assam, designed by DFI is also under completion and is scheduled for completion in 2021.