International cultural center in Jodhpur: Rajasthan/

Abstract

In an increasingly interconnected world, the need for spaces that foster cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and creative collaboration has never been more urgent. The International Cultural Center in Jodhpur is envisioned as a platform for global dialogue, a space that welcomes diverse traditions, performances, exhibitions, and ideas, while remaining deeply rooted in its local context. Set against the backdrop of Rajasthan’s vibrant heritage and harsh desert climate, the project responds to its environment through a climate-sensitive and culturally grounded design approach. The architectural vocabulary is guided by the philosophy of crafted modernism, blending contemporary spatial planning with traditional materials, artisanal techniques, and passive cooling strategies. Locally sourced sandstone, clay brick Jaali screens, and shaded courtyards define the physical character of the built environment, while elements like arched gateways and stepped platforms echo the region’s architectural legacy. The spatial arrangement is conceived as a series of interlinked pavilions housing galleries, performance halls, workshops, and communal areas woven together by shaded walkways, landscaped voids, and gathering nodes. The layout fosters fluid movement, inclusive engagement, and serendipitous interaction across a range of formal and informal activities. A clear zoning system, responsive to both everyday use and large-scale cultural events, ensures functional clarity without compromising on experiential richness. The project also draws from research on passive and active cooling techniques for hot-arid climates, integrating environmental strategies such as thermal massing, evaporative cooling, and filtered daylight to enhance comfort and sustainability. Ultimately, the International Cultural Center aspires to become more than just a building; it aims to be a living cultural landscape that celebrates diversity, nurtures creativity, and strengthens cultural identity through architecture that is timeless, contextual, and humane. Keywords: Cultural Centre, Jodhpur, Climate-Responsive Architecture, Crafted Modernism, Passive Cooling, Cultural Exchange, Vernacular Materials, Spatial Experience, Sustainability, Hot-Arid Climate, Architecture and Identity