Excerpt: AAA & Vitham Studio by Art & Architecture is a compact architecture office designed to celebrate light, material honesty, and adaptability. Set on a compact terrace, it blends brutalist textures with vernacular techniques, using exposed concrete, oxide flooring, and metal elements. The spatial layout promotes openness and interaction, while strategic play of light and multifunctional elements offer a flexible workspace.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Architecture focuses on capturing light! Opinions for this design project started off on this note: an architecture studio executed on a tiny existing vacant terrace of a humble abode located in Chennai, abutting two cul-de-sacs on the north and west.
An existing skylight for the home, as seen on the terrace, having a parapet wall around it inspired 3 pre-cast concrete slabs to be placed above it to act as a floor for a semi-outdoor meeting room / cabin. Two I-sections were inserted as rafters onto the parapet wall to bear the load of these slabs.
The western side cul-de-sac was chosen as the entrance for a metal folded plate dog-legged staircase, leading to the entrance grill gate of the studio being north facing. It is made completely of the leftovers from fabricating the blue-painted staircase, as a tribute to the material and the building process. The design is self-evolved and projects an abstract pattern.
On entry, a multifunctional semi-outdoor space separates the workspace from the open. Long steps also working as seating during group discussions and presentations lead up to a meeting room / cabin. Workspace provided with visibility and without accessibility from the meeting cabin establishes a connection without compromising privacy. White oxide wall for a projector and collapsible aluminium doors to accommodate more strength whenever necessary representing adaptability for the space.
A brutalist take on the interior with exposed concrete wall finishes, coloured oxide IPS (indian patented stone) flooring, exposed brick-patterned partitions, steel roof sections, and glasses framed with aluminium were intended to make this studio display architectures commonly used materials and sample for vernacular techniques. Upon entering the only non-utilitarian space, in this case the foyer, an open shelf with artifacts and a vintage radiogram are added for decor.
To effectively use the height of the space, a steel mezzanine floor with an open shelf made of charred wooden planks make up for additional library and file storage. Accessed by a ladder, it connects onto the principal cabin’s filler slab roof, providing additional storage. North light coming through the mezzanine floor renders the workspace ambient.
To be in union with the studio environment and to be maintenance-free Cast-in-situ central table and workstation desk were planned. The central table is multifunctional, from dining to discussions to modelling and whatnot. Through a boxed opening, one can access the pantry and a hidden restroom. Art made out of scanning CD covers of music artists adds colour and background and breaks the material monotony in this space.
The principal’s cabin is zoned in a corner from where there is visibility to the workspace. By letting in a play of light and shadow through its corner window from the foliage of the oak tree on the west, making this space transform at different times of the day and cuts off the harsh western sun.
On the whole, the main intention behind the design of this studio was to create an open and interactive environment for its users as well as visitors.
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