Navigating the contemporary journey: Insights for today's travelers
In the heart of India's Garden City, Bengaluru, a new architectural marvel is taking shape. The Taj Bangalore Extension, a joint development by Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) and the Taj Group, is set to redefine hospitality, reflecting the city's multifaceted identity and embodying the philosophy of climate-responsive and contextually rooted design by Morphogenesis.
Covering an area of 1.8 acres, the extension is a metaphor for Bengaluru's diverse character, blending the old with the new, and the traditional with the contemporary. The design, masterminded by Sonali and Manit Rastogi, Founding Partners at Morphogenesis, is rooted in people, purpose, and a strong sense of place.
Five design clues subtly weave together to reflect the spirit of Bengaluru and Morphogenesis' philosophy. The use of locally inspired elements, such as wooden columns supporting pitched roofs, creates an inviting and warm ambiance, reflecting the region's vernacular heritage. Climate responsiveness is evident in the architecture's features, like faceted windows and roof structures, which manage sunlight and wind to optimize natural light and ventilation, enhancing comfort while reducing energy use.
Local materials like laterite and terracotta, known for their durability and symbolic value, are used to root the design in Bengaluru’s cultural and natural context, emphasizing sustainability and a connection with place. Flexible and collaborative spaces, reflecting Bengaluru’s dynamic and innovative spirit, are designed to adapt to diverse uses, supporting individual work, collaboration, and meetings.
The fusion of traditional forms with modern design principles results in an architecture that is both timeless and of-the-moment, resonating with Bengaluru's identity as a historic yet progressive city. This unique design approach hides design clues in plain sight, inviting visitors to discover the city's essence as they explore the extension.
The architecture of the Taj Bangalore Extension weaves together light, material, and movement to enhance the traveler's experience, presenting a fresh perspective on hospitality. Despite being still under development, the anticipation for its opening is palpable, as it promises to be more than just a hotel—it's a tribute to Bengaluru's multifaceted identity.
Even amidst changes, Bengaluru's identity as the Garden City has remained, a testament to the city's commitment to preserving its rich heritage while embracing progress. The Taj Bangalore Extension is a shining example of this balance, a structure that harmonizes with its climate and cultural context while serving modern functional needs, thereby reflecting the true spirit of Bengaluru.
- The Taj Bangalore Extension, with its thoughtful design blending local materials and traditional forms with modern principles, not only aims to redefine hospitality but also serves as a testament to Bengaluru's lifestyle, seamlessly integrating home-and-garden elements with travel-focused accommodations.
- As the Taj Bangalore Extension elegantly threads together local heritage, climate-responsive design, and flexible workspaces, it offers a unique home-and-garden-inspired travel experience that embodies the city's multifaceted identity and captures the essence of Bengaluru's dynamic and innovative spirit.
