This chapter discusses fluid architecture in India, emphasizing its potential as a socially progressive architectural model. It highlights the aesthetic and functional benefits of fluid designs, referencing notable examples like Zaha Hadid's works and the Heydar Aliyev Center. The text concludes by illustrating how fluid architectural concepts can enhance both living spaces and environmental adaptability.

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ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the phenomenon of fluid architecture and its scope in
India. It aims to draw relations between fluid container (the appearance and the
built form) and the fluid relations contained (the inhabitants and their
interactions). It questions whether an architecture fluidity can be conceived as a
socially progressive model supporting the liquid society in India. Fluid
architecture is a very futuristic concept. It is yet to be discovered and
appreciated in India. But more and more people are now aware of modern
designs and prefer the same. The whole movement for green and sustainable
architecture should be taken into consideration very responsibly. One must
fully understand what green living is before delving into it. Keeping the
current trend in mind, fluid architecture is uneconomical now, but in totality of
time, one could generate umpteen benefits.” With the structure being
structurally flexible and adaptable to climatic changes space expansion and
sustainability, fluid architecture could be the answer to the urban modern
approach.
In this kind of architecture, forms are not dominated by structural optimization
but by other considerations. Fluid architecture refers to organic shapes and is
suggestive, like a body shape that covers your bones. It is plausible to research
flexible moulding based on the manipulation of membrane surfaces. Fluid may at
first seem an odd term to associate with architecture, which has traditionally been
defined as the opposite—a practice based in the construction of solid matter. Yet
today, with flowing, non-rational geometries, uninterrupted expanses, and
seamless connections between adjacent spaces increasingly in vogue, the notion
of fluidity has become acutely relevant to the field.
INTRODUCTION
Fluid spaces and forms equally referred
to as water architecture because of the
out-flowing and it is continuously
seamless. Fluid architecture concerns
with the flow in and around buildings.
This flow is responsible for the ventilation
of buildings and the quality of the indoor
air. Fluid project is categorized based
on the form concept. Evolution of fluid
architecture is inspired from the fluid
flow and curvy lines of Arabic calligraphy.
Fig. 1 Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku, Azerbaijan
(Source: Archdaily) https://www.archdaily.com/448774/heydar-aliyev-center-zaha-hadid-
architects/52851f2be8e44e524b0001ab-heydar-aliyev-center-zaha-hadid-architects-photo
FLUID ARCHITECTURE

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Antoni Gaudi's projects testify to his genius in creating fluid architecture in 19th
century, style which was given free forms and spaces in the design.
Fluid architecture is mostly Established and recognized through Zaha Hadid's
works especially with regard to fluid space which she considers it as a part of her
architectural designing. Fluid architecture forms have smooth, continuous
surfaces. Each element have an aesthetic property for example: Windows and
entrances' slots take the same two form of the masses.
Frank Gehry uses fluid movement as a part of his design, were the fluid
movement is pervasive which expresses emotion through a sense or movement.
Frank Gehry buildings respond to time and our constantly changing world.
Engaging people's feelings is essential which means finding ways to express
Feelings and emotions in architecture.
Fluidity in Architecture proves to be one of the most ultra-modern approaches
towards design, engineering, and construction. It is intricate yet clean and
minimal to the eye. Challenging the ever-evolving Architectural design, fluid
designs use most technologically advanced and accurate calculations in building
its form on all levels.
HOW DO WE DEFINE FLUIDITY IN ARCHITECTURE?
The free- form design approach is challenging compared to the rigid and edge
facades in mainstream structures. To understand the fluidity of curved surfaces
and its execution, it is primarily important to understand its natural stability in
reference to materials.
On a human scale, fluid structures demand stability and weightlessness. It could
be achieved by digitally processing all dimensions of the form and calculating
the structural systems to execute it. Architecture has genetically formed its own
definition of fluid forms and the capacity to generate never-seen-before
experiences. There is a new curiosity factor with each step taken in these
buildings! Technically, fluids are referred to as the liquids and its properties
manage to differ in every perspective. In Architecture and design, fluidity is
given a solid form to stand across the environmental barriers and functional
demands. It can be achieved in a small piece of furniture or can be spanned
across huge public spaces. On one level, fluidity could be a resemblance of
flexible spaces, continuously and organically moving forward without barriers.

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Achieving complete fluidity:
Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center (Zaha Hadid Architects)
The very famous Cultural Center in Baku has officially established itself as the
ideal example of fluidity, form, and engineering in Architectural design and
technology. It is bold but merges with the lines of natural geometry, giving form
to the one-piece huge mass of the Centerspread across the span of the project.
This Neo-futuristic design has more to the structure internally than what meets to
the eye at first glance, externally. The internal levels connect each other in an
organic way, which makes people aware of the depth of the space they are in. It
is the product of thoughtful planning and intelligent execution.
Fig. 3 The Rolex Learning Center ‒ Visit EPFLhttps://www.epfl.ch ›
campus › visitors › buildings › role...
Fig. 4 MAXXI: Museum of XXI Century Arts - Zaha Hadid
Architectshttps://www.zaha-hadid.com › architecture › maxxi
Neo-futurism explains these fluid
structures best rather than any other
style of architectural design as they do
not follow any solid pattern of similar
elements and therefore, it stands out as
an idea in physical form.
Fig. 2 Aqua Tower, Chicago, USA (Studio Gang Architects)
Aqua Tower / Studio Gang | ArchDailyhttps://www.archdaily.com › ... › Hotels › United States

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ELASTICA
Architect: Architects Vikram Rajashekar, Narendra Pirgal
and Smaran Mallesh (Cadence)
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Category: Residential: Private Houses
Completed in: 2016
Material used: Ferro- concrete, concrete, Glass, Brick
Fig. 5 Elastica, Bangalore, India (Cadence)
https://archello.com/story/66889/attachments/photos-videos

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An unorthodox sculpture stands perched in the midst of a stereotypical Indian
neighborhood. It embodies quite an outlandish appeal, and is quite alien to the
surroundings it has been pitched into. Its virtue is very boldly stated from its aesthetic
language, to be the vicinity’s “showstopper”. This sculpture however is quite unlike any
other you will come across. It doesn’t just stand to artfully enthral its spectators. It is in
fact a family’s very own habitation. The abode is called ‘Elastica’.
DESIGN APPROACH: The design intervention was approached in an unconventional
method. Unlike most buildings where the 3-dimensional elevation is developed from
floor plan layouts, Elastica’s was developed from its fluid-like sectional profile. In an
attempt to sensually connect all the floor levels into one single entity, the designers
conceptualised a looping ribbon-like profile with the floor slabs and staircases. Initiating
a continuous ribbon loop from the basement and terminating it at the apex, the terrace
level.
TREATMENT: Each level of the building has a different language of external finish.
The ground and first floor levels form the bulk of the external massing treatment. It is
gently elevated off the ground making it look more dramatic midst levitation.
The Ground floor level is extensively glazed with curtain wall systems and undulating
ferro-concrete features. Its eastern elevation captures the essence of the building,
framed into an expansive curtain wall system. The photographic image manifests a
contemporary and natural flow of interior spaces from living to dining areas. The First
floor level is draped delicately with ferro-concrete contours which are glazed
intermediately. Giving it a mosaic, veil-like appearance. The Second floor level
comprises a composition of spill out turf decks encompassing an enclosed room.

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APPEAL: The fluid-like appearance of the building does not limit itself to the exterior
finishes. It even resonates in the interiors of the house. As part of the concept, the floor
plans and walls sport a very organic profile in layout and elevation. All spaces further
adhere to the concept as seen in the bespoke furniture and furnishings.
A noteworthy approach to the design is the finishing treatment given to columns
central to spaces. Most spaces on all the floors maintain an open layout. With large
open expanses of floor slabs extending across the length and width of the site,
structural columns obstruct within the living spaces. To make them merge seamlessly
into the concept the designers embraced them into artful sculptures, adding a bit of
character to the space. A few columns also have furniture or counter top protrusions
that are quite amoebic in appeal, making them naturally part of the arrangement.
The bespoke interior furnishings such as cabinets, ledges, and furniture including chairs,
beds, outdoor terrace benches etc, emulate the circumambient architectural landscape.
Making them appear like natural procreations of the Architecture itself.
MATERIALS: A careful orchestration of contemporary materials gives the holistic look an
element of finesse. It comprises spider clamp curtain walls, glazing, ferro-concrete
features. To achieve such outlandish interior features, ferro concrete was used
extensively. Marble floors and countertops beautifully reflect the room’s plethora of
shapes and forms. Transparent balustrades and barricades used for staircases, floor
landings and spill out terraces, naturally dissolve into the space. This strategic toning
down with the use of a transparent medium, enables a spectator to focus on the
holistic composition of the house itself.
The fluid like profile achieved in the furnishings that blend in with the architecture is
achieved with ply and solid surface acrylic.

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REFERENCES:
 Fluid Architecturehttps://link.springer.com › content › pdf
 Heydar Aliyev Center / Zaha Hadid Architects | ArchDailyhttps://www.archdaily.com › ... › Azerbaijan
 Fluid Architecture | PDF | Cognitive Science - Scribdhttps://www.scribd.com › presentation › FLUID-ARCHIT...
 Aqua Tower - Studio Ganghttps://studiogang.com › project › aqua-tower
 Fluidity in Architecture - BlARROWhttps://blarrow.tech › fluidity-in-architecture
 Elastica, Cadence - https://archello.com/project/elastica
 https://dsgnarchive.com/architecture-personified-featuring-elastica/