Krishna Sagar, Puri

Set along the coastline of the Bay of Bengal, with the Jagannath Puri Temple to the north-east, the township emerges from a deep engagement with its natural and cultural context. The planning responds sensitively to the site’s contours, shaping a walkable, biophilic environment that prioritizes comfort, privacy, and a strong sense of community. Vehicular movement is minimized by relocating parking to basements, allowing the ground plane to be reclaimed for landscape, recreation, and social interaction. Residential units are oriented to maximize panoramic views while maintaining privacy, and a hierarchy of open spaces, from intimate clusters to larger community zones, creates a layered living experience. The project envisions a vibrant, safe, and cohesive neighborhood that enhances everyday life while remaining cost-effective, low-maintenance, and easy to build.

The architectural form is articulated through a system of strategically carved voids that enhance natural ventilation, introduce double-height community spaces, and break the monotony of large building masses. These voids act as social condensers and climatic devices, enabling cross-ventilation and ensuring shaded, comfortable shared spaces within the hot and humid coastal climate. Materiality and detailing draw from Odisha’s rich artistic heritage, translating textile patterns, colors, and craft traditions into a contemporary architectural language. Cultural references extend into murals and spatial interpretations of local art and dance, embedding identity within the built environment. Together with passive design strategies and a holistic approach to sustainability, the township offers a balanced model of livability, where environmental performance, cultural continuity, and modern aspirations are seamlessly integrated.