In the heart of Rajasthan’s Bikaner district lies the village of Nokha, a place where the scorching sun dominates the landscape for the better part of the year. Here, amid a landscape where shade is a precious commodity, a beacon of hope and innovation has emerged: the Nokha Village Community Centre completed in February 2024. Designed by the visionary team at Sanjay Puri Architects, this elliptical marvel stands not only as a testament to architectural ingenuity but also as a symbol of community empowerment and cultural revival.
Designer: Sanjay Puri Architects
For the residents of Nokha and its 143 neighboring hamlets, the Community Centre represents more than just a building; it’s a lifeline to knowledge, art, and connection. Most government schools in the area lack libraries, leaving students to seek refuge under the nearest tree for their studies. However, with the inauguration of the Community Centre, a new era of learning has dawned. This 9,000 sq. ft. structure, spiraling like a sand dune, offers a sanctuary for education and artistic expression.
Sanjay Puri and his team are renowned for their avant-garde designs, often characterized by organic forms and abstract shapes. True to form, the Community Centre rises from the desert landscape with a sweeping curvilinear volume, creating an open courtyard that embraces the surrounding environment. Despite its modest footprint, the Centre maximizes usable space, boasting a large auditorium and rooftop gardens that offer panoramic views of the desert vistas.
What sets the Nokha Village Community Centre apart is its versatility. Here, anyone can find solace, inspiration, or entertainment. The digital children’s library caters to students from across the region, while the amphitheater hosts lively performances and social gatherings after sundown. Every element of the design, from the egg-shaped library clad in locally sourced sandstone to the intricately patterned jali facade, serves a dual purpose of aesthetics and functionality.
But the true brilliance of the Community Centre lies in its response to the harsh desert climate. Through strategic design elements such as stone screens, north-facing courtyards, jali facades, and grass berms, Sanjay Puri Architects have created a space that remains cool and inviting, even in the blistering heat. By harnessing traditional architectural techniques and modern innovations, the Centre stands as a model of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Moreover, the Centre’s impact extends far beyond its walls. By fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, it serves as a catalyst for community development and social cohesion. Through initiatives like the Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat program, the Centre empowers residents to pursue education and lifelong learning, bridging the urban-rural divide one visitor at a time.
