The JPN museum is a vital component of the JPN monument that acts as the gateway to the Jai Prakash Narayan International Center (JPNIC). Envisaged as a tribute to the great Indian activist and a socialist political leader Jai Prakash Narayan, The center has been designed as a signature building for the city of nawabs, Lucknow.. His staunch friend and comrade in arms was Dr Ram Manohar Lohia and it is befitting that the complex is situated next to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia in Lucknow.
The museum symbolizes JP Narayan’s spirit and leadership that brought people together, changing the political demography in the country in the middle of 1970’s. Designed to inspire through its bold form, the monument intends to remind people of the immense power they have to bring change, for good and to change what must be changed to pass on a glorious future to the next generations.
The entry to the museum is through a huge arch 20m wide and 9m high amidst a blank triangular facade creating an empowering aura. The facade of the museum is clad with terracotta tiles.
On entering the museum, one enters a triple height area leading down to the basement with an area of about 1350 sq m. The double height area in the basement is planned with water bodies on both sides enables it to look like a pavilion floating on water.
The photo gallery on the first floor extends to an upper level and the volume of this area is defined by the soft splash of diffused natural light from the roof skylights, washing the display on the walls.
This 27m high wedge shaped monument is connected by ‘steps of contemplation’. The stepped roof forms an amphitheater and acts as an extension to the public plaza.
The steps of the am-phi theater terminate into a pavilion at the peck, allowing for a focused view to the JPN center through an 8.3m long viewing tunnel at the top.
Apart from being an urban sculpture, the monument is composed of a juxtaposition of functions, unfolding them as surprises. This interactive museum will draw people through its imposing presence and playful sense of illusion and aspires to become a place of joy, contemplation and inspiration.
Project Information Sheet
Typology- Public Building
Name of Project- Jai Prakash Narayan International Centre
Location- Lucknow
Name of Client – Lucknow Development Authority
URL- www.archohm.com
Principal Architect – Mr. Sourabh Gupta
Design Team- Sanjay Rawat, Amit Sharma, Bhoomika Singhal, Ram Sagar, Shahzad Ahmad, Neha Aggarwal, Vineet Rao
Site Area- 18.6 acre (75464 sqm)
Built-Up Area- 3269 sqm
Photographer- Andre J Fanthome
