ISRO Architectural Art

Reaching for the stars with India's space organisation


Over the Moon: We are a science loving bunch, with a deep admiration for our country's very own space research organisation, ISRO. When there was an opportunity to create a set of art installations for the organisation's new headquarters in New Delhi, we were thrilled to be selected.

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The Art: The design process began with a detailed study of ISRO's legacy, initiatives and vision, along with a spacial analysis of their new building. Three points of visual engagement were identified — a sculptural mural on the facade that represents a history of scientific discoveries beginning in ancient India, a large working sundial handcrafted by master craftsmen in Delhi's local sandstone, and a 6-storey tall interactive experience in the atrium that evokes the child-like magic of making the stars accessible to future generations.

Inspiration: The works were conceptualised to express the organisation's context, philosophy and mission — to inspire staff, scientists and visiting dignitaries and politicians. We had the opportunity to work with brilliant scientists and engineers, be inspired by skilled artists and craftsmen and be amazed by a daredevil installation team. A truly collaborative experience.

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Art / Environment

Project Partners:
Turmeric Design

Collaborators:
Rayden Design, VDIS, Harshraman Singh, Richa Sharma, Floorishing Pvt Ltd, NS International, Mukund Ketkar, Experiential Design Lab

Team:
Kriti Monga, Rohnit Rehani, Hanumant Khanna

Facade Mural in Relief

The achievements of ancient Indian scientists and mathematicians are recognised amongst the world's finest. 23 major discoveries and inventions were shortlisted from our research and translated into artist- impression graphic illustrations inspired by the graphic language of Mohenjo-Daro motifs and terracotta seals. These were then carved into circular discs of varying sizes and mounted in a starry composition on the walls surrounding the entrance doorway.

Sculptural Sundial
The first of these installations is a working equinoctial sundial placed in the building's lawn. It is an homage to Indian achievements in astronomy, as embodied in Delhi's iconic Jantar Mantar. The material language of locally quarried beige and red sandstone, black limestone and brass is nostalgic and warm. The visual language and arrangement are decidedly graphic and modern, using a numbering system that is universally readable. Engravings in Devanagari spell the seasons on the Hindu calendar. A poetic phrase crowns the face of the sundial, inviting the viewer to think about time, space, our finite being and the infinite Universe.
Ayesha & the Suspended Installation
ISRO takes special interest in introducing young students to the magic of science and space. To embody this powerful promise, we envisioned 'Ayesha', a life- size brass sculpture of an eight year old Indian schoolgirl, installed in the organisation's atrium. Touch the star in Ayesha's hand, a symbolic gesture of solidarity and promise, and it lights up. Follow her gaze to find the light 'travel' six storeys up through a spiral constellation made of 300 suspended geometric metallic stars, each masterfully handcrafted using traditional techniques. The lighting pattern is different each time it is triggered.
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