Manikchand Plaza

The design for a mixed-use mega project integrating commercial, residential, retail and entertainment facilities, was sought in an open national level competition by the Manikchand Group. the proposed mixed use hub by TAO Studio, utilized the open public space as a central social gathering spot as the binding element for the entire campus. A commercial plaza, housing development, large showrooms, smaller shops, offices with recreational facilities like 12 screen multiplex, cultural activities like drama theatre, art institute, exhibition galleries and an aquarium; were some of the activities proposed as part of the value added program.

The design was shortlisted among the top 6 finalists in the competition, based on the emphasis on human centric spaces, segregation of vehicular and pedestrian circulation, central open piazza acting as a social gathering space, and the concept of ‘urban’ walkable streets linking all facilities together. Gentle steps along the paved piazza act as an amphitheatre, infusing the culture of public gathering and interaction within the interactive ‘work-live-play’ campus.