The Nokha Village Community Centre in Rajasthan, India, stands as both a vibrant community hub and a loving memorial for Padmaramji Kularia, realized by his family to serve the 144 villages in the district. Emerging from the desert landscape with a striking presence, the centre’s most prominent architectural feature is its sweeping curvilinear volume, which elegantly loops around the site. This design choice is not only visually captivating but also highly functional, creating a north-facing courtyard that forms the heart of the community centre.

Despite its modest built-up area of 9,000 square feet, the centre maximizes its footprint through innovative design strategies, including a rooftop garden with two varying slopes. This inclined garden is more than just a green space; it provides panoramic views of the surrounding desert, encouraging the community to connect with their natural environment. The garden, along with the centre’s open spaces, invites gathering and interaction, fostering a sense of community and engagement among all age groups.

The Nokha Village Community Centre is a dynamic space that hosts music, talks, and social interactions, making it a lively focal point for the region. The architecture demonstrates how thoughtful design can create expansive, multifunctional spaces even within a limited footprint. Remarkably, the 9,000 square feet of built-up area generates four times more usable space, including a 27,000-square-foot open auditorium, showcasing the centre’s capacity to serve the community in diverse and meaningful ways. This project exemplifies the power of architecture to create spaces that are not only functional but also deeply connected to the cultural and natural context of their surroundings.

Photography by MR.VINAY PANJWANI