In Ahmedabad, the architects Modi Srivastava and Associates have designed ingeniously an experience gallery-cum-showroom for more than one hundred different types of bricks… Because bricks inherently conjure up an image of something earthy and unrefined, the same line of thinking was applied to the selection of materials used in the carving out of this space. The emotion is well justified by a mishmash of materials, such as furniture with a cement finish, perforated metal sheets, hardwood floors and ceiling, pinewood table with woven rattan seats, and natural components, such as plants and water bubblers made from bamboo. The arrangement is built to permit frequent adjustments in product display, and it was created specifically for architects and designers to visit with their clients so that the clients may feel the diversity of the product in terms of the product’s colors and textures. The entry to the showroom leads to a peripheral display gallery that serves as a buffer between urban chaos on the south and a central gallery towards the north. This smart zoning speaks volumes about the architects’ ability to plan space effectively, as shown by the fact that the entry leads to the gallery (where discussions are held with visitors). However, in order to participate in the conversation at the table in the middle gallery, visitors are required to go around the perimeter of the space and have a hands-on encounter with the product, both visually and aurally. The narrative is palpable with a setting that resembles a tableau: light-colored brick pavers that are loosely fitted to make the raw sound of bricks rubbing against each other as one walks along the peripheral gallery; free-standing brick display racks; wall-mounted brick display panels; brick sculptures and other brick-related artwork; and so on. sprinkle throughout the path one takes through the exhibit gallery in order to make it an educational experience for the guest. Interactivity is woven into the narrative through the use of a raised triangular island along the perimeter of the space. This island has contrasting dark brick paver flooring and a brick ceiling. It also sports a backdrop of ms racks displaying loose bricks, which allow visitors to get a feel for the material while they take a break for refreshments. On the other hand, the flooring of the central gallery is wooden, and it has wall-mounted brick panels that are shown on a mix of perforated metal sheeting and contrasting brick walls. A visual link with neighboring cabins is made possible by using perforated ms sheet as display material, which renders transparency across spaces. One would think that this would be the final location to view transparency, but they would be mistaken. Lastly, quotations from architects who have spoken eloquently about the ageless nature of these terracotta blocks are scattered throughout the book; nonetheless, the focus is never taken away from “the bricks.” Visit the website indiaartndesign.com to see the images.
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