The premier Aranyani Pavilion, known as Sacred Nature, has made its debut in New Delhi, featuring a distinctive curved form adorned with a verdant roof. Conceived by the architectural firm T__M.space, this structure serves as a dedicated venue for engaging in conversations about environmental topics. Positioned within the expansive Sunder Nursery park, this undulating installation, which will be accessible to the public until February 13th, marks the initial project in the yearly Aranyani Pavilion series. This initiative, spearheaded by Aranyani, an organization committed to environmental restoration and artistic endeavors, aims to facilitate dialogues centered on ecological issues.
The pavilion's design by T__M.space purposefully integrates a planted roof that gracefully ascends and descends in a spiraling motion, fostering a profound connection between visitors and the natural world. Guiding individuals through its elegant curves, the structure leads to a central, oval-shaped chamber housing a significant stone. This arrangement is meticulously crafted to evoke the reverence associated with traversing India's sacred groves, where such stone markers carry deep symbolic resonance. The interior lattice structure, a creation of the Indian design practice Ekarth Studio, utilizes Lantana camara, a plant identified as an invasive species in India, contributing to the degradation of the nation's forest ecosystems. The pavilion's roof is meticulously cultivated with over 40 indigenous plant varieties, encompassing those valued for their edibility, medicinal properties, and cultural importance.
Tara Lal, the founder of Aranyani, articulates the pavilion's purpose: to bridge the historical chasm between humanity and nature, a divide exacerbated by colonial legacies. She emphasizes the ambition to ignite both local and international discourse on ecosystem restoration and the revitalization of interconnected relationships. The Sacred Nature pavilion will serve as a vibrant hub for a variety of performances, talks, and workshops during its tenure at Sunder Nursery. Following this period, the pavilion will embark on a permanent relocation to the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls' School in Jaisalmer. Furthermore, the edible and medicinal flora nurtured on its roof will be distributed to community-led environmental programs throughout Delhi, extending its positive impact.