DESIGN NARRATIVE

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LOCOMOTION – Sports Complex at Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai
Concept: Nandyāvarta – A Dynamic Geometry of Wellness, Movement & Auspiciousness

 

INTRODUCTION
"LOCOMOTION" is envisioned not merely as a sports complex, but as a spatial catalyst for physical excellence, community interaction, and holistic well-being. Rooted in Indian geometry and symbolism, the design draws deep inspiration from the Nandyāvarta – a sacred geometric pattern akin to the swastika, often seen in Jain cosmology – believed to bring prosperity, directionality, and auspiciousness.

The sports complex at Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, aims to embody this auspicious form to create a spatial experience that aligns body, mind, and environment – celebrating movement, orientation, and harmony.

 

DESIGN CONCEPT: NANDYĀVARTA FORM
The Nandyāvarta is a dynamic spiral of four arms, turning inwards or outwards from a central point, symbolizing endless motion, balance, and sacred geometry.
The form has been interpreted in the master plan through:

• Four angular arms radiating from a central arena, housing primary sports functions.

• Each arm represents a direction of engagement – Players, Spectators, Community, and Nature.

• Movement spirals outward to courts, tracks, and greens, connecting body and earth.

 

ZONING & PLANNING STRATEGY
The central axis of the swastika-like plan holds a multipurpose indoor stadium – the heart of the complex – around which facilities spiral out:

1. North Arm:

   • Indoor sports zones – Badminton, Table Tennis, Gymnastics

   • Admin offices, Coaches' cabins

   • Direct access to vehicular drop-off and player circulation

2. East Arm:

   • Outdoor courts – Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball

   • Green shaded walkways for early sun-friendly use

   • Yoga decks and wellness garden

3. South Arm:

   • Aquatic centre and leisure swimming pools

   • Changing rooms and physiotherapy units

   • Solar-roof shading system to manage harsh southern sun

4. West Arm:

   • Public plaza and amphitheatre

   • Cafeteria and visitor amenities

   • Children’s play zones and community lawns

The center becomes a symbol of unity – where the kinetic energy of sport and stillness of design converge.

 

CLIMATIC & CONTEXTUAL RESPONSE

• Oriented to optimize natural ventilation and daylight – with longer arms facing north and south to manage solar gain.

• Stepped green terraces on each arm integrate with the landscaping, offering spectators shaded viewing platforms.

• The open arms of the nandyāvarta create natural wind corridors to passively cool the complex.

• The southern façade has photovoltaic panels and louvers that shade and generate energy.

 

MATERIALITY & FORM

• Earth-toned concrete, local basalt stone, and terracotta cladding reflect regional identity.

• Dynamic roof forms follow the spiral armature, giving motion to the structure as seen from aerial views.

• Rainwater channels follow the pattern's radial paths and recharge underground tanks.

 

SUSTAINABILITY & COMMUNITY INTEGRATION

• Rain gardens, bioswales, and native plantations merge the built and unbuilt.

• Public spaces like walkways, jogging tracks, and gardens are made accessible outside event hours, encouraging community health.

• Smart lighting, solar trees, and water-efficient plumbing ensure environmental responsibility.

 

SYMBOLISM & SPIRITUALITY IN DESIGN
The Nandyāvarta, unlike the rigid cross, allows progressive spiraling movement—just like an athlete’s growth curve, a visitor’s journey, or the rhythm of a match. The form is auspicious, intuitive, and open to interpretation—symbolizing both tradition and forward motion.

 

CONCLUSION
LOCOMOTION is more than a sports facility—it's a spatial mandala of movement and meaning. By merging ancient geometry with modern athletic function, the design becomes a symbol of progress, performance, and community wellness. As athletes cross thresholds and lines, the space constantly realigns them toward purpose, direction, and greatness.