Innovative Design Inspired by Shuttlecocks and Space Shuttles

Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, is now home to a striking new badminton center designed by Achim. The facility’s unique architecture, resembling both a steering wheel and a space shuttle, is intended to establish Odisha as a prominent destination for the sport.

According to Sourabh Gupta, Principal Architect at Archohm, The project aims to put Odisha on the international badminton map and produce world-class badminton players.

The center’s design incorporates a bowl-shaped structure, evoking the cork of a shuttlecock, and features a series of lights at night that mimic feathers. The building is situated near Kalinga Stadium.

Facilities and Capacity

The Kalinga Stadium, where the center is located, has a capacity of 15,000. The Kalinga Hockey Stadium, likewise within the complex, can accommodate 16,000 spectators. The stadium hosts tenants including the India men’s and women’s national field hockey teams, the India national football teams, and Odisha FC.

The badminton center itself features eight badminton courts and is designed with a large open room. The space is illuminated by skylights, and a rooftop observation deck offers views of the city.

Resilience and Symbolism

The spherical shape of the building is not merely aesthetic; it’s also practical. Gupta explains, It not only provides Bhubaneswar with structural resilience against annual cyclone attacks but also serves as a beacon of strength and resilience for the National Academy.

The design also addresses the specific needs of badminton, requiring precise control of air, light, and humidity.

Previous Function by Archohm

Archohm has previously completed projects including a wedge-shaped museum in Lucknow, northern India, and a craft center influenced by traditional Indian architecture.