Avadh Shilpgram is a 29,784 square meter community and shopping center located in Lucknow, India that was completed in 2016. It was designed by Archohm architects to emulate the dense, narrowing alleyways of traditional Lucknow bazaars through an elliptical floor plan. Natural daylighting and cross ventilation provide comfort, while arched entryways, zigzagging jaali screens, and red sandstone cladding referencing local embroidery crafts give the building an iconic contemporary interpretation of traditional Lucknowi elements.

1. Avadh Shilpgram
• Community, Store
• Location: Lucknow, India.
• Architects: Archohm
• Area: 29784 meter sq.
• Year: 2016

2. • The architecture of urban bazaars works on a scheme of a mélange; it
seems to be the leitmotif for such programmes, introducing a kind of
ride through spaces and experiences that are controlled and
enhanced through architectural forms and materiality.
• The visual mélange produces an architectural scenario for the activity
of leisure and pleasure, in shopping as well as the feeling of partaking
in actions related to craft and culture. It creates an urban scope that
inserts itself within a different reality; like in an amusement park.

3. • Plans And Sections

4. • An elliptical form enables a smooth corner-free circulation; it narrows
down while spiralling inward, and emulates the density and vibrancy
of the Lucknowi Bazaars of yesteryears; the bazaars with the streets
that got progressively narrower.
• Adequate daylighting, proper air circulation through cross ventilation
further adds the dimension of comfort to the design. Its articulation
has been realised through a contemporary interpretation of
traditional elements of arches and Jaalis.

5. • Each arch allows entry into the corridor at the ground-floor level. The
zigzag form of jaali arches is derived by modifying the basic lines of
traditional mughal arches from which one can pass through in the
corridors; the double height nature lets one experience the grand
feeling of arches like in the Buland Darwaza at Agra. The steel
structure is clad with Red Agra sand stone in a Jaali pattern, with
motifs inspired by the renowned Lucknowi embroidery craft called
‘Chikan kari’.

6. • The unique concept along with the form, scale, materials and
elements that render the architecture give an iconic building to the
city of Nawabs and the people of Lucknow.