> [!TIP] **Expand Your Horizon** > For more architectural knowledge visit [www.ssv.asia](https://www.ssv.asia) > [!INFO] **Credits & Original Source** > **Original Article:** [Dezeen | Archohm creates shuttlecock-shaped badminton centre in India](https://www.dezeen.com/2026/02/27/the-shuttle-badmington-centre-bhubaneswar-odisha-india/) > **Author:** Tom Ravenscroft > **Photography:** Noughts and Crosses > **Project Team:** > - **Lead Studio:** Archohm > - **Principal Architect:** Sourabh Gupta > - **Design Team:** Suboor Khan, Prachi Saxena, Yashvir Singh, Priyansh Seth, Vineet Rao, Rachna Sharma > - **Interior & Electrical Design:** Archohm > - **Visual Communication:** Archohm > - **Client:** Dalmia Cement --- ## Table of Contents 1. [[#Introduction|Introduction]] 2. [[#The Architectural Narrative: A Literal Interpretation|The Architectural Narrative: A Literal Interpretation]] 3. [[#Structural Resilience vs Aesthetic Brilliance|Structural Resilience vs Aesthetic Brilliance]] 4. [[#Interior Mechanics: The Black Box Stadium|Interior Mechanics: The Black Box Stadium]] 5. [[#The Sky-High Experience: The Shaded Rooftop|The Sky-High Experience: The Shaded Rooftop]] 6. [[#Conclusion: A Beacon for Odisha’s Sporting Future|Conclusion: A Beacon for Odisha’s Sporting Future]] --- ## Introduction  In the heart of Bhubaneswar, Odisha—a city rapidly establishing itself as India's premier sports hub—a striking new landmark has emerged. Architecture studio **Archohm**, led by principal architect **Sourabh Gupta**, has recently unveiled **"The Shuttle,"** a world-class badminton academy located within the sprawling Kalinga Stadium complex. The building is not merely a sports venue; it is a literal architectural translation of the sport itself, designed in the unmistakable form of a shuttlecock. This ambitious project aims to solidify Odisha's position on the international sporting map, providing a home for future champions while serving as a visual testament to the state's dedication to athletic excellence. ## The Architectural Narrative: A Literal Interpretation  The design philosophy behind The Shuttle is rooted in "literal representation." The building's form is split into two distinct parts: a rounded, bowl-shaped base that mimics the cork head of a shuttlecock, and a series of vertical skeletal fins that rise upwards to evoke the feathers. "The project aims to position the state of Odisha on the international badminton map to nurture world-class shuttlers," Sourabh Gupta told Dezeen. "The Shuttle, with its form, literally becomes the ideal representation of the vision of the city, of the state being the badminton capital." At night, the building transforms into a glowing beacon. Integrated lighting along the rooftop fins creates rays that reach toward the sky, ensuring the facility is visible across Bhubaneswar as a "beacon of hope" for aspiring athletes.  ## Structural Resilience vs Aesthetic Brilliance  While the shape is undoubtedly poetic, it was born out of harsh environmental necessities. Bhubaneswar is a city prone to heavy cyclonic winds and intense monsoon rainfall. The spherical outer shell provides essential structural resilience against these annual weather events. "The spherical outer shell has both practical and symbolic considerations," Gupta explained. "Not only does it offer structural resilience against the annual onslaught of cyclonic winds... but it also stands as a beacon of strength."  The choice of materials and the double-height glazed walls on the ground floor allow the building to maintain a sense of lightness despite its massive concrete and steel structural requirements. ## Interior Mechanics: The Black Box Stadium  Inside, the academy functions as a high-performance "black box." Professional-grade badminton requires absolute control over environmental variables—air currents can affect the flight of the shuttlecock, and glare from Windows can distract players. To solve this, Archohm raised the main arena to the third floor. This elevated hall contains eight premium courts, shielded from direct sunlight to maintain consistent internal humidity and light levels. Around the perimeter of the arena, stepped seating allows spectators an intimate view of the action.  The lower levels and the base of the bowl house supporting facilities, including training rooms, changing areas, a publicly accessible sports shop, and a café. These areas utilize indirect skylights to navigate the challenges of the warm Indian climate without sacrificing natural illumination. ## The Sky-High Experience: The Shaded Rooftop  Perhaps the most unique feature of The Shuttle is its massive open-air rooftop. Spanning an area larger than a football field, the roof offers a shaded walkway and a viewpoint that frames the skyline of Bhubaneswar. This space is designed to be as much for the public as it is for the elite athletes training below.  "The icing on the cake is the rooftop," said Gupta. "It is a massive open space on top of the roof with a shaded walkway... something unforgettable." ## Conclusion: A Beacon for Odisha’s Sporting Future  The Shuttle follows Archohm’s tradition of bold, geometric architecture in India, alongside their previous works like the wedge-shaped museum in Lucknow. By blending iconic literalism with high-performance engineering, the studio has created more than just a gymnasium; they have created a symbol. As Odisha continues to host international tournaments and invest in grassroots sports, buildings like The Shuttle serve as permanent reminders of the state's ambition. It is a visual spectacle that celebrates not just the sport of badminton, but the emergence of a city that refuses to be forgotten.  ### **Additional Visuals**     --- --- *Tags: #Architecture #India #Sports #Badminton #Archohm #Odisha #Bhubaneswar #Literalism #ModernDesign*