Skuast control center

The SKUAST Control Room is a striking architectural intervention that grounds modern parametric design in the cultural memory of Kashmir. Anchoring the structure is a distinct, concrete plinth shaped exactly like the hull of a traditional shikara boat, giving the entire building the illusion of floating above the terrain. Rising from this sculptural base is a bold, exposed brick facade. Rather than a flat masonry wall, the brickwork is articulated into sweeping, three-dimensional curves that overlap like the petals of a blooming saffron flower. These complex, organic layers are punctuated by massive arched voids, fitted with expansive glazing that draws the surrounding mountain landscape directly into the workspace.

Capping the structure is a lightweight, sloped roof that appears to hover above the heavy brick mass, separated by a band of clerestory glass. This structural gap allows soft, diffused daylight to wash the interiors, balancing the raw, earthy weight of the walls with a sense of airy transparency. The design strips away traditional ornamentation to focus entirely on the honesty of the material and the fluidity of the form. By translating the historic symbols of the valley—the waterborne vessel and the regional flora—into a highly technical, modern masonry shell, the project functions as an efficient technical facility that remains deeply native to its soil.