Matter

The continuous exploration of innovative ways to express the potential of the urban and rural landscapes across the Indian subcontinent, in all their diversity, has for over a decade fueled the work of Matter, based in Goa. Under the direction of Ruturaj Parikh and Maanasi Hattangadi, the studio intertwines design endeavors with a strong commitment to curatorial practices.

One of Matter’s latest projects is the village market at Narindrapur, situated in the Siwan district of Bihar. Conceived to accommodate a biweekly market that has been a Narindrapur staple for decades, this facility features a series of rectangular reinforced concrete platforms, all sheltered beneath a metal roof. The design incorporates perforated brick walls that outline the area’s perimeter, complemented by terracotta paving, which may be constructed using local materials and labor. The concept is based on the idea of revitalizing the village by creating a shaded public space. Embellished with a banana tree, the space is usable even on days when the market is not on, for example during local festivals. Furthermore, this economical and replicable structural system offers a prototype for future projects. Indeed, it has already been adopted by other markets nearby.

In Salvador do Mundo, in the state of Goa, Parikh and Hattangadi have constructed a residence-cum-studio-space for themselves and their co-workers. Nestled amid lush tropical vegetation, the building is positioned near a historic local chapel. A dedicated ground-floor studio area is flanked by a kitchen and an external staircase that leads to a residence on the first floor. The reinforced concrete roof’s broad overhang shelters a staircase; an exposed brick vault creates a chimney effect that, combined with the building’s east/west orientation, helps to cool the interior spaces.

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