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This page, top: a view of
the external façade of the
structure; centre: the
administrative block of
the Museum; bottom: the
passage between the
lobby and the
Children’s Museum
Photo by Ariel HuberCourtesy OpolisPhoto by Ariel HuberKaiwan Mehta in conversation with Rahul Gore,
Opolis Architects
KM: This has been an important Government
project in recent times, awarded through a
competition process. What has been the journey
like, from the beginning to the present?
RG: This project was won through an interna-
tional competition, which has consequently been
a first-time experience in working on a government
project for Opolis. Upon receiving this opportu-
nity, we jumped right in and learnt along the way.
While working on this project, especially on the
design phase, we came across several critical is-
sues where the site and its existing occupants
could have delayed the project. In response
to these issues, the Government of Bihar has
been very proactive and cleared such similar
hurdles that came along the way in a swift and
methodical manner.
This keen involvement of the government in the
project had kept the pressure on our design team
throughout the process. We kept our work taut in
delivering the design packages on time, which
resulted in the beginning of the construction
within one and half years from the signing of the
agreement. The journey has been exciting and
has demanded deployment of huge resources both
in terms of manpower and time.
To see the project being completed in an overall
period of five years has been both frustrating and
satisfying at the same time. It was frustrating
because it was difficult to achieve the high-
quality standards required and the fact that the
project could have been completed in four years
rather than five had made it even more bearing.
But, at the same time it was highly satisfying
because the finished project was realised with
slight increase in project cost. Working with the
government has been an enriching experience
and the vision laid out under the leadership of the
Chief Minister has been successfully realised by
the entire government machinery.
KM: What has been the nature of collaboration
with Fumihiko Maki and his studio?
RG: Sonal (Sancheti) and myself were fortunate
to work with Mr. Maki upon graduation, before