The Stepwell

India’s architectural identity is deeply rooted in its heritage, yet the deterioration and inaccessibility of historic structures threaten this cultural continuity. The Oval draws inspiration from Rajasthan and Gujarat’s stepwells, recognising their historic role in community building, cultural exchange, and supporting flora and fauna, while reinterpreting their essence through a contemporary, sustainable lens.

Inspired by the stepped geometry of traditional stepwells, the design creates a fluid play of levels that naturally divides the expansive space into multiple functions without creating a sense of enclosure. The resulting sequence of levels and spaces offers varied public experiences while creating opportunities for tourism, cultural engagement and economic growth through museums, galleries and public functions.

The form generates distinctive frustum-like curves, conceived as a canvas for light and sound shows. Designed as a public destination, the Oval incorporates an open-air theatre, courtyard, museums, galleries, sky-viewing deck, inner stepwell seating and cafeteria. A central glass lift becomes a viewing element, offering a 360-degree dynamic view of the vertical vista.

A restrained material palette combines the traditional character of sandstone and water with the contemporary language of concrete and green architecture. Water and vegetation further enhance the atmosphere and experience.

The Oval is envisioned as a contemporary revival of the stepwell, transforming its architectural and cultural legacy into an accessible public destination while widening the horizons for tourism and reconnecting contemporary India with its heritage.