In the heart of Kota’s Oxygen Park lies a marvel of modern architecture and urban ingenuity: the ‘Art Hill’ project. A venture unlike any other, it represents the vision and ambition of the Government of Rajasthan. Crafted by the skilled hands of Sincere Architects Engineers Pvt Ltd and brought to life by the Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) Kota, this project is a symbol of innovation.
Picture this: an artificial mountain, standing proud with dimensions that command attention. But what truly sets this hill apart is its construction. A skeletal framework of MS steel, meticulously designed to support an array of functions. From hosting conferences to housing art galleries and community halls, its vast expanse promises endless possibilities.
At its summit lies a hidden gem—a restaurant suspended mid-air; its floor is made entirely of glass, extending outwards on a daring 27 ft cantilever.
Concept to Creation
As Sanjay Sharma, Director, Vijaytech Consultants reflects on its inception, he shares that it all began with the unveiling of the first architectural concept design by the architect Anup Bhartia. Driven by a fervent desire to elevate Kota’s stature in education, healthcare, and tourism, the UDH Minister found himself captivated by the proposal.
The decision was made to embrace this ambitious undertaking: the Art Gallery Hill project, nestled gracefully along the banks of the Chambal River.
At its core, the Art Hill stands as a testament to innovation, boasting dimensions that defy convention — a width of 300 ft, a length of 600 ft, and a towering height of 150 ft. Its distinctive form presented a challenge met head-on with the construction of a robust MS steel frame, offering expansive spaces ideal for conferences, art exhibitions, and communal gatherings.
The meticulous attention to detail is evident in every facet of its design. A protective layer of metal sheeting, complemented by a waterproof coating and a sturdy 150 mm concrete slab, ensures durability and resilience. But it’s the thoughtful incorporation of natural elements that truly sets Art Hill apart. A generous layer of soil, carefully laid to mimic the rugged terrain of a natural hill, provides a canvas for verdant vegetation to thrive.
Yet, the crowning jewel of this marvel lies at its zenith — a restaurant suspended at a height of 150 ft, its floor crafted from transparent glass, extending daringly over a 27 ft cantilever.
Crafting Contours
In the process of translating the principal architect team’s 3D models and initial height sections into a tangible structure, the structural consultants took a pragmatic approach. Sections were systematically cut in the X, Y, and Z directions, revealing the true contours of the project at 1 m intervals. This methodical analysis allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the structure’s dimensions from various perspectives.
With a focus on functionality, a design concept was developed, incorporating flares and columns to ensure structural stability. Flares were strategically positioned atop columns, serving a dual purpose of support and architectural interest.
Sustainability and Spectacle
As the custodian of the project, the Tivoli organisation took on the mantle of preserving this architectural marvel for public enjoyment. With its towering columns and vast expanse, the space seemed tailor-made for grand events like exhibitions and conferences. But what truly sets this project apart is its nod to sustainability, embracing eco-friendly practices in a world increasingly mindful of its environmental impact.
Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of events, one feature captured the imagination of all who visited: the restaurant perched atop the hill. Its floor a daring pane of glass suspended two meters above the peak. Accessible from all directions, guests have the option of ascending via stairs or lift, treating themselves to panoramic views of the city park below.
Safeguarding Innovation
Navigating the intricacies of architectural innovation often leads to confronting formidable challenges. Such was the case with the construction of the glass restaurant on the hill crest, extending out an impressive 30 ft in a cantilevered marvel. The non-symmetrical nature of this structure also presented a formidable challenge, requiring fabrication and erection of members to realise its three-dimensional form. With contours shifting at 1 m intervals along the height, maintaining the unique shape becomes paramount.
Central to the design’s integrity are the expansive spans of the columns, necessitating open areas to support the hefty loads — 300 mm of earth and 150 mm of concrete, all to nurture the growth of natural grass.
Beginning with a scaled-down dummy model in STAD, the team simulated various forces—from wind to earthquakes—meticulously analysing their impact on the structure. Armed with invaluable insights, they transitioned to a comprehensive 3D model, meticulously detailing each member in intricate shop drawings.
Resilience in Design
Creating the Art Hill posed a unique challenge due to its distinctive shape, which differed significantly from the hill’s natural contours. While MS (mild steel) pipes and plates offered the stability and flexibility needed to mold the structure into any desired form, adhering to the limitations set by IS code made it difficult to achieve the same results using RCC, which also required a longer construction time.
To ensure the hill’s sustainability, the team followed a meticulous sequence. First, the hill’s profile was built using a metal structure. This was followed by installing a 3 mm waterproof plate and then layering 200 mm of reinforced concrete. To further waterproof the structure, a PVC membrane was added. Finally, it was topped with 300 mm of soil to support the growth of natural grass and trees. To combat sand erosion during rainy seasons, a zigzag waffle pattern was implemented throughout the hill, ensuring that the sand and grass remained intact.
Sharma highlights that drawing on his 27 years of experience, he was able to oversee the creation of this architectural marvel without relying on fancy technology. The restaurant, perched 2 m above the crest of the hill and supported by a 30 ft cantilever, offers visitors an unparalleled natural experience, harmonising with the greenery below and exemplifying the seamless integration of modern engineering and nature.
Quote
“From the blueprint to the execution of this unique and close-to-my-heart project, I believe and have discovered that nothing is insurmountable for humans. If we set our minds to accept any challenging task, we will succeed with the help of self-motivation, confidence, and determination, along with consistency in our work. Despite several obstacles, we succeeded in achieving our objective. To overcome the challenges we faced throughout execution, we should also exercise patience.”
– Sanjay Sharma, Director, Vijaytech Consultants
Fact file
Client: UIT Kota
Architect: Sincere Architects Engineers Pvt Ltd
Consultant: Vijaytech Consultants Pvt Ltd
Fabricator: Shree Construction
Tonnage: 850 tonne
Status: Completed
