FIVE-STAR HOTEL | HOSPITALITY ARCHITECTURE
Complex Programme · Site Planning · Integrated Building Design
Project type: Academic Architectural Design
Location: Palakkad, Kerala, India
Year: 2018
Role: Individual Architectural Design Project
01 — PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Located along the Palakkad–Coimbatore highway in an expanding industrial corridor, this academic project explored the design of a five-star business hotel catering to corporate travellers, business events and hospitality needs.
The site offered scenic views of the Western Ghats while experiencing Palakkad's intense summer temperatures, often exceeding 40°C, presenting opportunities to respond to both landscape and climate.
The primary architectural challenge was to integrate 200 hotel rooms, large banquet facilities, restaurants, recreational amenities and supporting services into a coherent, functional building. The design prioritised efficient spatial zoning, structural grid coordination and separation of guest and service circulation, while maintaining functional relationships between diverse spaces.
02 — UNDERSTANDING THE BRIEF
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200 hotel rooms across five accommodation categories
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600-person banquet hall
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Multiple dining facilities, including restaurants and rooftop dining
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Wellness and recreational facilities
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Retail and administrative spaces
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Kitchens, housekeeping, circulation and staff infrastructure
03 — SITE STRATEGY & BUILDING ORGANISATION
04 — ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING & TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT
The architectural drawings demonstrate the translation of a complex hospitality programme into detailed, coordinated floor layouts across multiple levels. The design addresses the integration of public and private functions, banquet and dining facilities, guest accommodation and supporting services, with particular attention to structural grid coordination, vertical circulation and the separation of guest and back-of-house operations.
05 — ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION & GUEST EXPERIENCE
The architectural form draws inspiration from Kerala's traditional sloping roofs, integrating regional character into a contemporary hospitality development. The landscaped arrival court, shaded building edges and recreational spaces create a welcoming environment, while connecting the guest experience with views of the Western Ghats.
01 — Main Arrival & Architectural Form
Exterior visualisation illustrating the hotel's overall building composition, landscaped arrival court and relationship between the accommodation and public facilities.
02 — Poolside Recreation & Landscape
Visualisation of the recreational terrace, where leisure spaces and outdoor seating are oriented towards the surrounding mountain landscape.
06 — DESIGN OUTCOME
The project demonstrates the integration of a complex hospitality programme into a coordinated, multi-storey architectural proposal. Through functional zoning, structural grid planning, differentiated circulation and building-service considerations, the design brings together diverse operational requirements while maintaining a coherent architectural identity and guest experience.
MULTI - SPORT CENTRE
Integrated Sports Facility Planning | Academic Design Project
Project type: Academic Architectural Design
Location: Palakkad, Kerala, India
Year: 2017-2018
Role: Individual Architectural Design Project
01 — Site Planning & Spatial Organisation
A Centralised Sporting Environment
The master plan is organised around a central athletics ground, with four major building blocks arranged around its perimeter.
This configuration establishes a strong spatial relationship between the outdoor arena and the surrounding indoor facilities, while allowing different sporting programmes to occupy dedicated building zones.
Vehicular access, parking and bus accommodation are planned around the development, connecting the larger sporting complex with its site infrastructure.
02 — Ground Floor Planning
Integrating Diverse Sporting Functions
The ground floor accommodates a range of specialised sports facilities within interconnected building blocks. Aquatic facilities, indoor courts and other sporting areas are organised alongside changing rooms, equipment storage and supporting spaces.
The layout explores how facilities with different spatial dimensions and functional requirements can operate within a coordinated architectural arrangement, maintaining distinct programme areas around the central athletics ground.
03 — Vertical Spatial Organisation
Planning Across Multiple Levels
The first and second floors extend the functional programme vertically, accommodating additional sporting and ancillary spaces around the larger sports halls.
The drawings illustrate the relationship between large-volume activity spaces and smaller supporting functions, exploring how different levels can be coordinated within the overall building configuration.
04 — Concluding Reflection
Coordinating Complex Architectural Programmes
The project explored architectural planning at a larger scale, addressing the challenge of bringing multiple sporting disciplines, specialised facilities and supporting functions into a unified development.
It strengthened an approach to design centred on spatial organisation, functional relationships and the coordination of complex programmes across buildings and site infrastructure.