ACCORDING TO THE YOGANANDA LIBRARY, OF VOLUMES & VOIDS

courtesy of archohm; photographs taken by Andre J. Fanthome and Mridu Sahai; courtesy of Zoya! It is a massive library with concrete intersecting columns that stands tall, reflecting the nature of its function and physically manifesting the philosophy of the biotechnology campus of Shoolini University. It is located in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, and it is ensconced in the lap of a lush green valley. According to the architects at studio archohm, who have been working on the institutional project for a period of four years, the Yogananda Library, which is comprised of four floors and covers an area of 2,476.88 square meters, is a “intense interconnected volume of voids and solids, connecting the entire building as a large functional plate.” While the walls are supported by the intersecting columns, which are an interpretation of the most fundamental element of biotechnology and a reflection of the university’s logo, the inner face of the concrete is responsible for bearing the load of the structure of the library as well as the books that are stored within it (a dna structure). The clear facade is complemented by recessed glass that is staggered from the ground upwards. This creates an unimpeded central pool of light that ensures ample daylight pouring in. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, making it ideal for students, who can spend time studying while enjoying the beautiful landscape outside. The traditional elements of the facade are carried inside in the form of brick walls and pillars. The principal architect, Sourabh Gupta, and his team have resorted to a more contemporary approach by installing wooden flooring and matt-finish wooden tables in deep hues. These tables are matched with chairs and other furniture in contemporary styles. There is a row of reading bayside books that forms an inner ring, and the books are lined up on the perimeter of the room. A wide courtyard is located in the middle of the structure, and it provides the building with consistent indirect light that connects in a dynamic manner via gaps and volumes. The library patrons who like to read on the refreshing grass while basking in the sun are welcome to utilize the terrace, which is an extension of the courtyard that is lushly green and available to them. While the flora of the courtyard helps to keep the structure’s latent temperatures under control, it also “brings in a sense of drama as one ascends up enormous stairs,” as the phrase puts it. There is a strong directional volume, sitting on stairs, and illumination from the top onto the books, all of which contribute to the appeal of the library, which is distinguished by its spatial structure and the uniqueness of its elevation of the building. Follow this link to see photographs of the library’s makeover that may be found on indiaartndesign.com.