Krittika Art Space at Santiniketan

Everywhere in Santiniketan, which has grown to be one of the most famous centers of art and education with the idea of internationalism in the midst of serenity and tranquility, we can feel Tagore’s influence. The goal of Krittika Art Space in Santiniketan is to serve as an art center where art enthusiasts can take part in various workshops, exhibitions, and other events.
The structure was designed in two parts: the back part was intended as a dwelling for an artist’s couple, and the front part was intended for public and semi-public events. There is a corridor connecting two distinct functional areas. Two exhibition areas, one on the ground floor and one on the first floor, are connected by an internal staircase, along with a modest front office. For natural lighting, a long sky light has been added to the location near the double-height stairway. On the roof of the first floor, another tiny skylight has been installed to illuminate the dark room’s standing display. To enjoy the outdoors from the exhibition spaces, there is an open patio and balcony on the first level. A long metal chain stretched from the corner of the projected roof slab collects and drains rainfall from the roof into a rainwater harvesting tank located in the northeast corner.
The rear part of the structure is intended for private residential use and has a strong connection to the natural environment. The living, dining, and stairway areas are located around an internal courtyard with a double height exposed brick wall. It provides ventilation and natural daylight. Beneath the staircase, which is illuminated by a rooftop skylight, is a tiny interior water pool which was specially designed for client’s kid. Interesting light and shadow effects are produced in this location by sunlight coming from various angles. The courtyard provides a private area that is unaffected by adjacent buildings. The sun path diagram and local climate studies were used in the building’s design. The majority of the habitable rooms have cross ventilation and are oriented toward the south. The brick jali, which is integrated into the master bedroom’s western wall, allows for breeze to pass through while lowering summer heat gain. The residential unit’s entryway comprises a veranda that is open to the sky and has a seating area. It is a typical feature of Santiniketan architecture. In various seasons, people can enjoy the surrounding nature sitting on the slab.
The exposed brick and terracotta are intrinsically connected to the distinctive Bengal temple architecture. The building’s exterior is connected to exposed brick using a minimalist style and subdued earth and grey hues. Like a bird’s wings, the expanded roof slab creates a welcoming and protected area underneath it, which evokes feelings of care or protection. Two circular apertures represent residential and institutional contexts. Similar to human moods, the shadows cast by circular openings change with the seasons and the sun’s angle. The main entrance to the exhibition rooms features two columns that were inspired following the Uttarayan Complex’s “Konark” building. In addition to providing it a modern, contemporary expression in the local context of art, architecture, and nature, this project is an attempt to develop an architectural language tied to our history.
 
– Ar. Milon Dutta [B.Arch (Cal), GMMC (Australia), JGISP (Japan)]
BIO DATA OF ARCHITECT