LAYA Architects

Sincere thanks to China International Fashion Week and the China Fashion Summit for inviting me as one of the guest speakers tonight as part of PechaKucha. It was an honor to showcase the works of LAYA Architects, sharing our studio's research focus, the influence of South Indian Carnatic music on our work, and our commitment to community development. This event marks an important opportunity to present our vision to a wider global audience.

Turku Museum of History and Future : At LAYA Architects, our journey through the Turku Museum of History and Future competition has been an attempt at breaking down and abstracting Turku's identity while creating communtity oriented exhibition spaces.

While Turku stands as a beacon of resilience with over 800 years of history, our design sought to inject a renewed vibrancy into its Urban fabric. Inspired by Turku's rich past, we crafted intentional spaces between clusters that evolve into dynamic social hubs. The converging corners are intentionally designed to foster dynamic, community-oriented interactions—precisely the kind of engagement that Turku, with its rich historical narrative and evolving urban identity, deeply needs. In a city like Turku, where the sense of community is deeply intertwined with its historical identity, nurturing communal spaces is vital. These interactions are not just beneficial; they are crucial for reinforcing social cohesion, bridging the past with the future, and ensuring that the city’s cultural legacy continues to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. By cultivating spaces that encourage such connections, we aim to invigorate Turku's communal spirit, making it resilient and adaptable for generations to come.

We take pride in the conceptual depth and the challenges we embraced, particularly in creating the intricate geometries that characterize the project.
This competition was more than just a design challenge—it was an opportunity to contribute to Turku’s evolving narrative. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of Architectural design, fostering Cultural identities, and enhancing Urban vitality.

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The Masjid-ul-Haq project embodies a vision for the future that is rooted in a deep respect for the past. By integrating thoughtful design, community engagement, and sustainable practices, the project aims to create a vibrant, inclusive space that honors the mosque's historical legacy while meeting the needs of contemporary urban life.

It represents a bold step towards a brighter, more connected future for Baltimore, where Architecture serves as a catalyst for positive change and a source of inspiration for generations to come.

The Masjid-ul-Haq project also requires support for its continued growth and development. You can visit the Masjid contribution page to learn more and offer your support –
https://us.mohid.co/md/baltimore/muh/masjid/online/vfr/campaign/masjid_ul_haqq_2030

CONCEPT

Reflecting a City: Urban mirror

The redesign of Masjid-ul-Haq's facade proposal transcends mere aesthetic enhancement. It aims to encapsulate the essence of Baltimore, transforming the mosque into a reflective surface that mirrors the cityscape around it.

This concept is inspired by the idea of self-reflection, which holds profound significance in various traditions, symbolizing introspection and transformation.
The facade, composed of elegantly arranged reflective panels, captures the dynamic interplay of light and shadow, the ever-shifting skies, and the urban pulse of Baltimore.

As the weather changes and clouds drift across the sky, the mosque's exterior transforms, reflecting the city's vibrancy and the community's spirit in a perpetual dance of light and form. This design is not an ostentatious display but rather a subtle and poetic expression of the mosque's connection to its environment and its role as a place of reverence and community gathering.

The design is a powerful metaphor for the mosque's journey and the city's resilience. It symbolizes a hopeful future where Architecture breathes life into the urban landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among the city's residents.

The vision includes creating vibrant public spaces that foster community engagement and cultural exchange. The expansive grounds in front of the mosque will be transformed into a dynamic hub featuring contemporary art installations, local sculptures, and an amphitheater. This open-air venue, available for public use, will host cultural events, performances, and community gatherings, reinforcing the mosque's role as a focal point for civic life.

Surrounding the amphitheater, a bustling bazaar will offer space for local artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs to showcase their goods. This marketplace will not only stimulate the local economy but also celebrate Baltimore's rich cultural heritage. Adjacent to the market, a dedicated children's play area and a serene sculpture garden will provide spaces for relaxation and recreation, enhancing the area's appeal as a family-friendly destination.

At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to engaging with local institutions and artists. By fostering collaborations and encouraging community participation, the project aims to instill a sense of ownership and pride among residents.

Masjid-ul-Haq: Context / Background

Nestled within the historical fabric of Baltimore, Masjid-ul-Haq stands as a poignant testament to the enduring spirit of community and faith. As the oldest mosque in the city (Since 1958), with a venerable history of the building (where the mosque is) spanning 154 years, it has witnessed the ebb and flow of Baltimore's socio-economic tides.

Go through History of the Masjid --

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPl-nrx3mqE

Summary :

Key Points:
1. Introduction to Masjid Muhammad:
o Located in Baltimore, Masjid Muhammad has been serving as an Islamic worship center since 1958.
o It is the oldest mosque in Baltimore city.
2. Historical Background of the Building:
o Originally built in 1870 as a livery stable, a place where horses and carriages were rented and stored.
o Livery stables were common before the advent of automobiles, providing a place for people who did not have personal carriage facilities to store their horses.
3. Transition to Automobile Garage:
o By 1920, the building transitioned into a garage due to the rise of automobiles.
o It served various roles including a school for camera repair and a warehouse for a vinyl siding company.
4. Nation of Islam's Involvement:
o The Nation of Islam, under the leadership of figures like Wallace Fard Muhammad and later Elijah Muhammad, played a significant role in the building's history.
o In 1958, the building was purchased by the Nation of Islam and became known as Mosque No. 6.
5. Key Figures and Community Efforts:
o Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad were instrumental in raising funds for the mosque.
o They hosted significant events and gatherings, attracting large crowds and raising money for community facilities such as a gymnasium and a recreation center.
6. Evolution and Current Status:
o The mosque has undergone several name changes, reflecting its evolving role within the community.
o It was named Masjid Muhammad and incorporated elements to align with Islamic traditions.
o The mosque has been a hub for civic and religious activities in West Baltimore.

Here's the link to the article on The Architect's Newspaper - The most authoritative voice on Architecture and Design in the United States

LAYA Architects is revitalizing Masjid Ul-Haqq, Baltimore’s oldest Islamic place of worship Laya Architects is revitalizing Masjid Ul-Haqq, Baltimore’s oldest Islamic place of worship. The building will have a reflective facade.

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that our ongoing project, Masjid Ul Haqq, in Baltimore has been featured in the latest edition of The Architect's Newspaper! This historic endeavor, which we've been passionately conceptualizing and developing for the past 1.5 years, stands as a testament to our commitment to Community-centric designs and Urban revitalization.

A heartfelt thank you to The Architect's Newspaper for covering our story and recognizing the significance of our work. And most importantly to the Masjid Ul Haqq community for trusting us with the design of a very important landmark project in Baltimore.

Check out the full article here - https://www.archpaper.com/2024/06/laya-architects-masjid-ul-haqq-baltimore-oldest-islamic-place-worship/

Excited to share that Prabhu Sugumar been appointed as the Beijing Director for AIA Shanghai chapter! Alongside dedicated members of AIA in Beijing, we're bringing a series of lectures, site visits, and film screenings to enrich our community's understanding of architecture. Stay tuned for more from LAYA Architects as we continue to embody the core values of the American Institute of LAYA Architects.

ONDRAHA – LAYA Architects

Project Location: https://www.google.com/maps/place/ONDRAHA/@9.8901741,78.1773597,16.96z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x3b00c525d6e32827:0x7204f4679d8a30fc!8m2!3d9.8900271!4d78.1791397

Brief: ஒன்றாக 'Ondraha' meaning ‘Togetherness’ is a private project for the public. Located in the outskirts of the Southern Indian city of Madurai, the project was envisioned- to inspire kids to be ‘Daringly different’; setting aside socio-economic differences. As a reknowned chocolatier and a lifelong entrepreneur for more than forty years, the client (Mr.Vel from INDIANFOODS) was eager to give back to society by creating a unique identity for the city that injects good community spirit through spatial and retail oriented programmatic means.

Project Description: After exploring several initial concepts to reflect the client’s vision through Architecture, we identified simple formal gestures that have potential to generate an intimate, friendly and exploratory feeling. Most importantly, given the context, the form needed to be built on the site without many engineering complexities, within budget and with locally available materials at the same time project new energy to the area.

Three intersecting Arches with varying lengths, heights and an interconnecting Mezzanine level seemed to provide ideal conditions for adventurous kids to explore their interests. A sense of togetherness is brought by the playful interaction of volumes and assignment of kids friendly functions to it. There are not many indoor spaces for children to gather around during after-school hours to learn something new in the area. This was reason enough to make a private space public that could be used by kids.

In the initial concept, a free form chocolate splash podium played an important role in the experience, consisting of an Amphitheatre, seating areas and the stairs. The inner mezzanine was also intended to be part of the playful experience with a stair and a slide for kids.

With several niches and interesting corners, the Architecture provides an opportunity for kids to learn, read, bake, play and have fun while at the same time enjoying the best of the products. First Arch consists of the lounge, product display and more public areas followed by baking and gathering area on the second and play and learning space under the third Arch. The mezzanine level is an additional indoor board game and reading area. The third Arch is surrounded by a higher wall to contain a ‘Secret garden’. In such context privacy of guests is valued more than providing a space for viewing.

Low carbon, low energy materials were used in the construction process and materials as much as possible. Rough finish with lines from scaffolding lines is seen on the inside surface of the concrete pour. All three arches are punctuated by square shaped opening covered by etched glass to light up the interior.

This is a project that has attempted through revitalize the community through both spatial and programmatic planning.

Many thanks to Mr.Dhinagar Vel for giving us the opportunity.

Project credits:
Client : INDIANFOODS Innovations Private Limited - Mr.Dhinagar Vel & Mrs.Bhavani Vel
Architect: LAYA Architects (layaarchitect.com)
Project Architect: Prabhu Sugumar
Design Team: Ines Yang
Structural Engineering: MADURAI ES CONSULTANCY SERVICES (P) LTD
Coordination Team: Ms.Laxmi Lavanya, Mr.Marimuthu, Mr.Muthukumar, Mr.Sasikumar, Mari & Team
Project Management Team: Ms.Rani, Mr.Mohamed, Mr.Santhanam, Mr.Kanniah
Construction Team: Senior Mason Mr. Saravanan & Team
Arch Framework: Mr.Justin & Team
Carpentry: Mr.Raju & Team
Material Finishing: Mr.Stephen & Team
Glass Art: Mr.Victor & Team (Alpro)
Photography: Mr.Prabhu Sugumar & Mr.Marimuthu

In Madurai's tranquil outskirts, our community-centric architectural ode to nature unfolds. With a gentle embrace of the five elements, our project weaves a symphony of terracotta bricks, mirroring the warmth of fire, while the soothing waters enveloping echo the essence of life. Air dances freely in the expansive spaces, creating an ethereal connection with the element of breath. In this context, our attempt is to make a unique icon with a humble presence, bestowing a sense of privilege, power and belonging - fostering a renewed spirit within the community. A haven where cool breezes, nurtured by surrounding water, embrace a multipurpose hall, inviting the vibrant spirit of the village to unfold.

Discover within this haven, exposed terracotta bricks crafting an intimate space in our multipurpose hall. Sunlight cascades through the skylight, illuminating the stage with a warmth mirroring our community spirit. The gentle slopes of the roof create an ambiance breathing intimacy into every gathering. Surrounded by water and flourishing greenery, textured tiles beneath your feet tell a story of local craftsmanship, weaving our community's identity into every inch. A space where architecture becomes poetry, defining a local icon and nurturing a collective identity.

We are thrilled to share that we have had the incredible privilege of designing the magnificent New Delhi Hall at the SCO Secretariat in Beijing!

This hall stands as a symbol of India's rich cultural tapestry, highlighting the unity and beauty of its diverse traditions. The intricately adorned ceiling, showcasing exquisite patterns and motifs, reflects the depth of India's artistic traditions and pays homage to it's cultural identity. The meticulously designed columns embody the essence of the Architectural heritage, symbolizing the timeless beauty and craftsmanship found throughout India.
We are deeply honored to have taken up this unique challenge of creating a cultural space that resonates with Indian culture.

The inauguration of the New Delhi Hall by Shri S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, who aptly described it as "Mini-India." We extend our heartfelt gratitude to him for appreciating our efforts. The inauguration event was also graced by Indian Ambassador Shri Pradeep Kumar Rawat and SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming, and distinguished envoys and officials from the SCO member countries.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-inaugurates-new-delhi-hall-at-sco-secretariat-in-beijing-eam-jaishankar-says-it-depicts-mini-india/article67015731.ece

Wishing you a very happy 2023! 🥳