LEAD SPONSOR



COMMERCIAL PROJECT

 VIEW FROM THE ATHLETICS ARENA SHOWING

THE PEDESTAL FOR PUBLIC FUNCTIONS

THE KONGU
CONVENTION CENTRE
CREATIVE GROUP | TAMIL NADU

[58] Construction  Infrastructure  Architect World  DEC 2014 - JAN 2015

LEAD SPONSOR LEAD SPONSOR


COMMERCIAL PROJECT

 VIEW OF THE CONVENTION CENTRE FROM

FACT FILE: THE ATHLETICS GROUND

Project Name Kongu Convention Centre, Erode, Tamil Nadu

Architect Creative Group, New Delhi
Site Area 23 Acres
Built Up Area 16, 200 sq.m
Initiation Date October 2007
Completion Date July 2010
Client Kongu Engineering College
Design Team Prof. Charanjit Shah & Ar. Gurpreet Shah

K
ongu Convention Center was de- Thus, with limited artificial lighting and natu-
signed with the aim to provide ral ventilation the building is made cost-effec-
world class facilities to students tive without compromising on the quality.
who yearn for better socio-cultur-
al interaction and high quality
infrastructure, while keeping the
DESIGN AND FORM 

Built on a 23 acre site, Creative
cost of the whole construction to the mini- >> Built on a 23 acre site, Creative Group de- Group designed and planned the
mum. Ar. Gurpreet Shah’s vision was to create signed and planned the Kongu Convention Cen- Kongu Convention Centre at Erode,
Tamil Nadu which is one of the
an auditorium which could be used for other tre at Erode, Tamil Nadu which is one of the larg- largest in India with a seating
recreational purposes such that it is utilized est in India with a seating capacity of 4500 per- capacity of 4500 persons.
all round the year. The basic idea was social sons. Alternatively it has indoor courts which Alternatively it has indoor courts
upliftment of students of an educationalw in- are used as sports halls. The basic form of the which are used as sports halls.
stitute with nominal expenses in construction. auditorium has been derived from the Garuda
With the aid of retractable seating, the audito- (eagle in hindu religion) in flight. The building’s
rium could be converted to indoor sports body is projected longer and massive (resem-
courts. The building is made in sync with na- bling that of an eagle) while both the side wings,
ture and surrounding landscaped area. The having a lesser volume with cut-outs for effi-
wings are connected by open public spaces. cient light and ventilation, are used for outdoor

 PANORAMIC VIEW FROM THE STAGE SHOWING THE CENTRAL AND SIDE WINGS


The design was optimized beyond
 SOUTH-WEST VIEW OF THE PRIMARY ENTERANCE
the requirements into a multi-
purpose convention hall and the
client reciprocated this idea with
positivity. Executing the project on public interaction spaces. It consists of a multi-
the established funding, the purpose hall for indoor sports activities like bad-
architects created a facility which
could be pertinent and functional for
minton, table tennis and basket ball. The back-
all institutional activities. room facilities of the auditorium also functions
as seminar rooms and rehearsal rooms. Addi-
tionally, facilities for conference halls, training
center, guest rooms, offices and cafeteria are
also provided.
The design was optimized beyond the re-
quirements into a multi-purpose convention
hall and the client reciprocated this idea with
positivity. Executing the project on the estab-
lished funding, the architects created a facility
which could be pertinent and functional for all
institutional activities. Hence, multiple function-
alities were then incorporated into the building.
The design was prepared keeping in view, the
collective use of a large gathering space, en-
abling it to double up as a sports arena as and
when required. The segmentation within spaces
has been planned in an efficient manner to per-
mit various activities simultaneously.

DEC 2014 - JAN 2015  Construction  Infrastructure  Architect World [59] [60] Construction  Infrastructure  Architect World  DEC 2014 - JAN 2015
LEAD SPONSOR LEAD SPONSOR


COMMERCIAL PROJECT

 FRONT PEDESTAL- SALUTING BASE

PLANNING AND STRUCTURE
FOR ATHELETICS ARENA  VIEW OF THE PRIMARY ENTERANCE
>> The convention hall has been placed at the
site in such a manner that the pre-functional
area and the main entrance translate into a sa-  LANDSCAPED SEATING IN THE ATHLETICS ARENA
luting base to the athletic stadium in the front.
Interactive seating spaces integrated with land-
scaped areas, act as a backdrop around the run-
ning track of the stadium and football ground.
The main auditorium is flanked by 2 additional
seating aisles which augment the capacity of the
auditorium when required and in general acts as
courts for indoor sports. When the building is

 LIGHTWELLS NATURALLY
ILLUMINATING THE CIRCULATION SPACES

 MODEL OF THE CONVENTION CENTRE

 VIEW OF THE STAGE FROM BALCONY LEVEL

not in use as an auditorium, it functions as an windows. Additionally, fresh cool air is circu-
indoor sports complex for various sports activi- lated around through ducted air cooling sys-
ties throughout the year. This becomes possible tem. Light wells located on top of stairwells at
with the help of a flexible seating arrangement the primary entrances infuse the circulation
which is not fixed to the floor in areas allotted and pre-functional spaces with natural light-
for sports activities. ing throughout the day. The use of sun light,
RCC framed structure integrated with steel hollow blocks for the multi-purpose hall and

 trusses envelope the roof of the convention grid pavers for car-parks aim to minimize the
Weaving in all modern facilities and hall. A network of primary, secondary and ter- energy consumption of the campus. Ensuring
world class amenities in the
convention centre, it's ventilation, tiary trusses enable large column free spaces optimum acoustic insulation, the convention
air-conditioning, acoustics and of up to 50 meters. Double trusses have been hall is clad in cost-effective perforated gypsum
illumination are still focused upon. used to span over the central auditorium. The boards to cut the reverberation time. Level 2
An efficient system of ventilation wings (left and right) primarily supported on lighting has been provided as per international
facilitates hot air to move up and
escape through the clerestory the intermediate truss, provide access to the standards, especially for sports activities and
windows. central spine without any hindrance. national level competitions. Provision of stage
lights and spot lights are also in accordance
for national level performances.
SUSTAINABILITY “Less is more - brings richness in function-
>> Weaving in all modern facilities and world ality for the multi-purpose convention centre”
class amenities in the convention centre, its Under the guidance of Prof. (Ar.) Charanjit S.
ventilation, air-conditioning, acoustics and il- Shah and lead by Ar. Gurpreet S. Shah, this gi-
lumination are still focused upon. An efficient gantic convention centre is designed to lend
system of ventilation facilitates hot air to an iconic character to Kongu Engineering
move up and escape through the clerestory Campus.

DEC 2014 - JAN 2015  Construction  Infrastructure  Architect World [61] [62] Construction  Infrastructure  Architect World  DEC 2014 - JAN 2015