Khirki Heritage Reuse Design Competition

Of Firoz Shah's numerous mosques, the chief ones are the Kali masjid, the Begumpuri masjid, Kalan masjid and Khirki masjid at Jahanpanah. This last is interesting not only for its cruciform plan, but also because it is one of the few examples of covered mosques in India. The roofing of the Khirki monument divided the interior spaces into various small courtyards - perhaps to avoid the scorching heat of North India in the summer - effectively breaking up the congregation into small groups. Whatever the reason for this unusual masjid, it was apparently not very successful as a building type and was not repeated until the advent of the modern style of architecture.

Today the Khirki masjid has its own village - Khirki village - in Delhi, near modern Saket. Indeed, from the road, the mosque can barely be glimpsed. The narrow paths of the village twist and turn until suddenly you are face to face with an imposing structure mounted on an impressively high plinth. The village chokes the mosque, encroaches on its space - but perhaps the very unexpectedness of the building is the reason for its powerful solemnity. A failure as a building type, the Khirki Masjid today is an architectural gem tucked away in a forgotten corner of one of India's largest metropolises. Khirki’ unique spaces are a result of an outstanding combination of the understanding of the built and the intent in its realization. However the existing building is completely under utilized and isolated.

Ensuring buildings are reused and economically viable is important to ensuring their future survival. Architecture and Design company AXIOM India is organizing and co-sponsoring a design competition with partners INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) and Amit Marbles (A leading brand for construction stones in India), for the re-use of a heritage building ‘ The Khirki Monument’.

The purpose of the Design Competition is to:

• Promote the potential reuse of the a heritage building;
• Demonstrate how creative, innovative design can potentially reinvigorate heritage buildings;
• Promote the idea of sustain ability through reuse;
• Encourage discussion about he potential for the reuse of heritage buildings;
• Increase awareness of Khirki’s quality heritage architecture;
• Encourage the reuse of Khirki monument.

There is no restriction on the number of entries per person, but each entry must be received on a separate entry form. The submission will be done in both hard and soft copies.

For 'Competition Brief'and any queries please mail to [email protected]