Overview
Cadence Architects, an Indian studio, designed a multi-generational residence in Bengaluru, Karnataka, known as House of Shadows. The design intent for this home was to create an environment 'conducive to reading'. This objective was specifically tailored for a family described as 'bookworms' who relocated to India following a period residing in the USA. The house is situated on a quiet, tree-lined road.
Research Context
The project focuses on architectural design responding to specific lifestyle requirements, particularly the integration of reading spaces within a residential setting. The family's return to India from the USA informed the multi-generational aspect of the home's design, suggesting an adaptation to a new or re-embraced cultural context while maintaining personal interests. The design brief prioritized creating areas that support reading activities for multiple generations within the household.
Approach
The architectural approach involved incorporating distinct spaces specifically designated for reading. These included 'cosy nooks' and a dedicated 'study'. The design aimed to facilitate these activities throughout the house, implying a distributed rather than centralized approach to reading-oriented spaces. The studio, Cadence Architects, executed the design.
Findings
The resultant design of House of Shadows features specific architectural elements aimed at supporting reading. These elements include:
- The inclusion of 'cosy nooks' within the residential structure.
- The creation of a dedicated 'study' area.
- The overall design objective of the house being 'conducive to reading'.
The house's location on a 'quiet, tree-lined road' may contribute to the tranquil environment supportive of reading, although this is an observation of the setting rather than an explicit design finding from the text.
Why This Matters
This design project highlights an architectural response to client-specific lifestyle needs, specifically the integration of leisure activities like reading into a multi-generational living space. It demonstrates a practical application of design principles to create a home environment that actively supports the hobbies and interests of its inhabitants. The project addresses the functional requirements of a family with particular habits (reading) within a defined residential context (multi-generational, post-relocation to India).