The Red Oasis is a 150 m² community centre in a Pune suburb, completed in 2020 by PMA madhushala as a monolithic brick pavilion on a 715 m² site, designed to reclaim urban open space and foster social interaction through expressive, undulating brickwork and versatile communal facilities.
The Red Oasis
The Red Oasis was conceived to occupy the last remaining open plot within a densely built residential block in Pune, transforming a 715 m² gap into a vibrant community hub. The built area spans 150 m², housing a multifunctional hall, library, amphitheatre, playground, and temple.
Historical and Urban Context
As Pune’s suburbs expanded, informal playgrounds gave way to housing, leaving residents without dedicated public spaces. The Red Oasis acknowledges this loss, preserving openness and continuity with its context by centring all functions around a landscaped courtyard.
Architectural Concept and Form
The signature rippling façade, resembling Gothic vault ribs, enlivens the structure, treating brick not merely as cladding but as sculptural form. This expressive brickwork seamlessly integrates seating, planters, steps, and archways, blurring architecture and furniture.
Materiality and Construction Techniques
Using a single module of locally sourced red brick, all walls are fashioned with double curvature for inherent strength, eliminating the need for heavy reinforcement. Hand-laid by local craftsmen, the brickwork promotes vernacular skills and a circular economy.
Spatial Layout and Functions
The layout arranges the multipurpose hall, children’s library, open-air amphitheatre, playground, walking paths, seating nooks, and a small temple around the central open space, fostering community engagement. Inside the hall, vertical shifts in floor level create distinct zones without partition walls.
Sustainability and Community Impact
Brick’s thermal mass and permeable arrangement enable passive cooling and ventilation suited to Pune’s climate, reducing energy consumption. The project’s minimal footprint and use of earth-bound materials underscore a commitment to sustainable, locally rooted architecture.
Recognition and Awards
The Red Oasis has been featured on ArchDaily, Architecture+Design, and Stirworld for its innovative brick expression and social relevance. Stirworld hailed it as a transformative refuge amid urban sprawl, showcasing the potential of humble materials to elevate community life
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