The Purple Ink Studio has designed an innovative extension for the Tapmi Centre business faculty in Manipal, Karnataka, India. The social hub features a unique bamboo parasol canopy, inspired by traditional Chhatris, which provides shelter from the heavy rainfall in the area.
According to Nishita Bhatia, Principal, The Purple Ink Studio, the design aims to break away from conventional, closed academic buildings. She said, “Our approach was to create a porous, inclusive space that engages with its surroundings and the students in a meaningful way.”
The canopy comprises 11 umbrellas, positioned at different heights to mimic the nearby tree canopy. Each umbrella is made of a steel structure held together with trusses, overlaid with hand-cut bamboo canes. The parasols are covered with metal sheets on top and sloped to catch rainwater, which is then funnelled into rainwater collection systems.
The design not only provides a functional shelter but also pays homage to the traditional craftsmanship of Chhatris, which is becoming a dying art in India. The Purple Ink Studio aimed to “bring back the memory” of this practice and engage local craftsmen in the project.
The Tapmi Centre social hub is designed to be inclusive and accessible, with no doors and an open layout that encourages collaboration between the academic community and the city’s residents. As Bhatia noted, “The building becomes a symbol of inclusivity, fostering creativity, dialogue, and shared experiences.”
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