There is No Planet B

Films convey narratives through spatial and temporal representation, as architecture does. Both mediums trigger physicality in a viewer to proffer a kinesthetic experience. All architecture is formed by either adding or reducing mass—an act of perpetual manipulation akin to placing or removing frames to build scenes in filmmaking. Led by Sangeeta Merchant and Sanjeev Panjabi, SPASM explores this aspect by summoning the ancient Indian typology of the Chaitya (monastery), a quintessential Indian rock-cut shrine, immersed in and solidly built of nature.

Here, this heavy cave is narrated in lightness, with the pavilion gently swaying in response to the winds—in genuflection to nature. The rock disappears and space is carved out of a bamboo scaffolding filigree while jute fabric evokes enclosure: materials animating an omnipresent, typical cityscape framing nature-culture-architecture. Sustainability and Indianness are succinctly examined and woven into the narrative supported by Jaipur Rugs and FCML. The mouth of this sacred cave frames a prominent, wise bodhi tree on the acreage—in worship of nature and alluding to its name which is a warning, a plea and a clear reminder that there is no planet B.

SPASM Design Architects

SPASM is a boutique design studio known for its dynamic, intuitive approach to every project. With a rhythm akin to flamenco and a pace like Ping-Pong.