The dominant political force of Odisha, known for its commitment to inclusive development and regional pride, is woven into the design of the Biju Janata Dal Party Headquarters. The building stands as a celebration of the Indian state’s heritage and instils civic pride.

Originally designed as a five-storey structure, Studio Lotus proposed a three-storey design to maintain a stronger connection with the streetscape. This reduction minimised unnecessary space and construction costs. The campus’ ground plane is elevated to form a plinth for public functions and community events. This deliberate elevation, with its direct visual connection with the street, fosters an open and transparent connection with pedestrians, bringing them into the fold and blurring the threshold of public and private space,” says the team at Studio Lotus. The public amenities on the ground level include a cafeteria, a library and an audio-visual gallery.

The team at Studio Lotus explains further: “A double-height auditorium punctuates the upper floors in plan and elevation, protruding from the monolithic exterior along the eastern face to mark a subtle shift in the otherwise planar built form.” The upper levels feature open-plan layouts to promote a collaborative environment. The first floor then comprises a combination of workspaces, meeting rooms and cabins for the upper management, while the second floor is primarily reserved for party leadership, with private cabins, resting areas and video conference rooms.

The material palette boasts terracotta tiles, exposed concrete and local stones like Odisha grey granite and khondalite, reflecting the regional context. The interiors feature Dhokra-inspired metalwork and sculpted khondalite benches, integrating local crafts into the building’s design and promoting regional employment.

Related: Community and connection in Rajasthan

Moving to the facade and exterior amenities, which were designed in collaboration with Siddhartha Das Studio, feature sculpturally designed breakaway zones built from laterite and terracotta. “Hand-chiselled by local stoneworkers, depict intricate motifs derived from traditional handloom weaving patterns such as ikat and Sambalpuri,” says the team at Studio Lotus.

Sustainability was a predominant theme for Studio Lotus during the design phase, with passive and active climate-responsive measures improving the building’s performance. A generous window-to-wall ratio reduces reliance on artificial lighting, while overhangs and terraces offer shade and limit heat gain. Internal courtyards allow natural light infiltration and cross-ventilation. The plethora of environmentally conscious doesn’t stop there with rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and solar panel provisions further supporting sustainability.

Studio Lotus
studiolotus.in

Photography
Suryan Dang

NIWS by MOFA Studio also in India