This project involved a renovation and reinterpretation of an area inside the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur that had been functioning as a shop for heritage products and memorabilia from the region.
<h5-red>CLIENT<h5-red> MEHRANGARH MUSEUM TRUST I <h5-red>AREA<h5-red> 2,500 SQFT I <h5-red>STATUS<h5-red> COMPLETED IN 2004 I <h5-red>TEAM<h5-red> AMBRISH ARORA, ANKUR CHOKSI, ARUN KULLU, ANUPA MATHEW I <h5-red>PHOTOGRAPHER<h5-red> STUDIO LOTUS
This project involved a renovation and reinterpretation of an area inside the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur that had been functioning as a shop for heritage products and memorabilia from the region.
During preliminary research of the space it was discovered that under several coats of limewash on the walls and the colonnade of arches that connected the space, existed exquisite stone texture and carvings. On investigating the floor, it was discovered that the new cement floor laid a decade ago, was covering centuries-old stone flooring.
The existing primary display area was divided by a wall that had been constructed at a late date. On advice of the conservation architect, this was removed to reveal the magical rhythm of the colonnade of arches that tie the space together. The floor and walls were stripped bare to show the quality of the original stone work and inject an experience of walking through the store, akin to walking through a "historical relic". Given the low budgets, one of the immediate decisions was to use local artisans and vendors to create the entire system of display and lighting.
A minimal and simple modular display system was developed using locally available materials. All design was done with the idea that not a single hole be drilled in the walls or ceiling. Special pressure clamps were created for postcard & book display around the existing stone columns that hold the entire display in place, without any structural elements damaging the old structure. The lighting was a combination of accent lighting highlighting the architecture, and product lighting with all fixtures placed on expanding pressure rods with rubber mounting on either side.
Existing stone niches became spaces for precious products like jewellery by the insertion of prefab copper-clad cubes with pre-attached lockable glass shutters. Sectional signage was suspended from specially-developed chiks in anodised aluminium that defined parts of the arched niches—their sleekness accentuating the aged texture of the backdrop of rough stone walls. All furniture and console table tops were developed in locally available sandstone and a water-based desert cooling system was developed for the space to ensure cool air circulation.
