Station for satellite communication
1967-1978
This station is organized around a fixed point, the antenna tower. For technical reasons (reception angles, etc.), the buildings could only be set up in one direction, and can only develop linearly.
Development plan
Plans
Model photos
Antenna
The circular antenna determines the typology of this building. Around this antenna, a corridor forms, and similar circular rooms extend on either side, to the left and right.
Photos just after construction
Photos of the building
Context
The station is located in the Ramdev Nagar district, on the left bank of the Sabarmati River. It is surrounded by other ISRO buildings, which are off-limits to the public.
Project
The ESCES earth station, a low, horizontally-extended structure, is located close to an antenna tower for technical reasons such as reception angles. With a total built area of 2,850 square metres, it is developed in a linear fashion to the north-east of the antenna's fixed point, integrating harmoniously into the overall layout.
The building is well organized, with a number of repeating units, symmetrically grouped along the central axis. These units are circular in shape, evoking the shape of a satellite dish. The building is distributed over two levels: a semi-basement and a raised first floor. Accessible via a wide staircase, the first floor houses the main activity areas, such as the control room, computer room, laboratories and offices.
The basement is mainly used for air-conditioning systems, a generator room, an electrical substation and storage areas. Light reaches these areas via horizontal openings at ceiling level. The structure consists of a reinforced concrete frame with flat slabs and brick infill walls, exposed on the external sides. The interior surfaces are plastered and painted.
Program
Communication station
Technical Data Sheet
Client: ISRO
Surface area: 2850 m²
Design: 1967
Handover: 1978
Architect: Bernard Kohn
