Jashn-e-Gulistan
Competition Entry - 2017
The Black Taj - UNFUSE
Location : Agra, India
Inspired from the concepts of Char-Bagh and seven stages of Life, Jashn-e-Gulistan exhibits a perfect backdrop for Taj Mahal. Jash-e-Gulistan is designed as layered garden and Public spaces. This structure creates a new landmark just on the other side of Yamuna River, opposite Taj Mahal.
Inspired from the Char-Bagh concept from the Gardens of Taj Mahal, this structure is designed based on gardens of paradise layered vertically in seven stages. These layers are designed with the essential elements of water canals which converge into a water falls from the top most layer to the bottom most.
Jashn-e-Gulistan, not just stands as a huge garden, but also invites the cultural and local handicrafts by providing the small markets and public gathering spaces. It is also designed taking Agriculture as a concern in providing a platform for enthusiasts for experimental farming. This structure also provides collaborative spaces and studios for learning handicraft culture and urban farming. Situated on the former site of Black Taj, the structure is designed in Black Marble to bring back the legacy of most talked about Black Taj.
Jashn-e-Gulistan is designed to involve public and enthusiasts in bring the legacy of local handicrafts by providing places for learning this crafts and selling it through markets and learning studios. This structure is also based on the concept of urban agriculture and vertical farming, to bring the awareness and create interest in urban agriculture. Collaborative spaces and studios are designed to inculcate the interest in public.
Ecological - in designing the urban farming and creating platform for experimental agriculture. Also, this would help in bringing the idea of purifying the waters of Yamuna River. Social - in creating a platform for local handicraft industry and proving spaces for showcasing it to public. Urban - in creating an ecological landmark not just for Agra, but for India.
Jashn-e-Gulistan is inspired from Char-Bagh concept and seven stages of life. The structure rises to form layers of Char Bagh in vertical system. Its is layered seven times based of seven stages of Life. Every layer of this structure is accessible through ramps and elevators. The water canals designed according to the Char Bagh, finally converges into a water fall. The water used here comes for Yamuna river, which is purified and then let into the water canals. These layers gives a platform for public to engage with the landscape, urban farming, cultural market and to feel the legacy of Black Taj.
This design intervention helps the city of Agra in creating a focal point for exhibiting the Local culture and bringing an Cultural Urban landmark for India. In addition to Taj Mahal, Jashn-e-Gulistan will add to the destination places for tourists. It will act as a memory of Black Taj and give an urban-ecological visual treat to the tourists.
