Shuttle Badminton Academy: A New Landmark for Indian Sports

Bhubaneswar, India – A striking new sports facility, The Shuttle Badminton Academy, has opened its doors in Odisha, India, designed by architecture studio Archohm. The academy aims to position Odisha as a premier destination for badminton and cultivate the next generation of world-class shuttlers.

Architectural Vision: Mimicking the Game

The academy’s design is immediately recognizable, intentionally resembling a shuttlecock. According to Archohm principal architect Sourabh Gupta, The project aims to position the state of Odisha on the international badminton map to nurture world-class shuttlers. The building’s form is not merely aesthetic; it’s a symbolic representation of the city and state’s aspirations in the sport.

Design and Functionality

Completed in 2024, the 11,450 square meter academy features eight international-sized badminton courts within a large, open hall. This space, described as a black box by Archohm, is designed for optimal play conditions. The academy also includes a 500-seater spectator area, a gym, a library, a science room, coach rooms, and public amenities.

The building’s envelope incorporates glazing at the lower level, creating an illusion of levitation. A large, inverted hemisphere forms the entrance area, housing a cafe and commercial space. Cut-outs in the slab along the inner shell facade provide diffused natural light, minimizing glare and heat.

Addressing Environmental Challenges

The design also addresses the region’s climate. Concrete was used to insulate the interiors from Bhubaneswar’s heat and cyclonic weather, and to provide structural stability. Gupta explained, Badminton needs a black box where control of air, light and humidity is fundamental. The spherical outer shell offers structural resilience against cyclonic winds.

A Beacon for the City

The academy is designed to be visually striking, particularly at night, with lights evoking the feathers of a shuttlecock. Gupta envisions the academy as mesmerising, fun and something that the city can never forget, and a visual spectacle that celebrates the academy’s presence, a gesture marking Odisha’s emergence as a prominent sports destination. The rooftop features a large, open viewpoint overlooking the city.

Project Details:

• Architects: Studio Archohm
• Area: 11450 m²
• Year: 2024
• Lead Architects: Sourabh Gupta

Looking Ahead

The Shuttle Badminton Academy represents a significant investment in sports infrastructure and a commitment to developing badminton talent in Odisha. With its innovative design and focus on functionality, the academy is poised to become a landmark destination for athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.

Photography courtesy of Noughts and Crosses.