The Taj was never experienced in isolation, you always perceived it through desired frames, the central idea of the proposal is to multiply the experience

Immersed in the surreal, enchanting world of the Taj, seated at the centre of 42 gardens, ignored for many centuries is Mehtab Bagh or Black Taj. Co-existing with the historical context and culture, the emerging design ideal aims to resurrect the gardens of the past while reconnecting it to the soul of Agra, i.e. Taj Mahal.

An epitome of the heart of Shah Jahan itself, emerging from inside out is a space that is reserved, subtle and sincere with every opening filled with the Taj and its memories. Anchored by the physical reality of the remains of Mehtab Bagh, the structural relics and garden layout form the basis of the design parti.

The architectural vocabulary reflects a recurring sequence of arches framing Taj, making it appear more layered than it is, sometimes deliberately hiding it to heighten the surprise when its re-framed back into view. In addition, the frames also open onto the surrounding environment which become points of orientation throughout the journey.

Segregated into two sets of experiences, the ground level is a series of arches framing the stepped terraces with water channels evoking a memory of the Shali mar gardens. Accommodating temporary galleries, shops and gardens, it also attempts to facilitate the preservation of the cultural heritage of Mughal era.

Mimicking a carpet in the air, the roof level creates an illusion of a physical connection to the Taj and enables them to experience it at the same plane. Framed by traversing bridges and staircases leading up to an open pavilion with a waterfront, a visual affinity is re-established with Taj.

The design offers a humble yet strong reinterpretation of the essence of the place. Comprised of a porous shell implying the emptiness in Shah Jahan’s heart, the voids are filled with gardens of hope, respite through water and echo the deeply ardent responses to the stunningly beautiful Taj.

“Creating a garden to see a garden begs many questions of love, of the hopelessness of it; as if to say that there was no purpose in life, but to observe that love as the sun rose till it set and then when stars lit the sky.” - with excerpt from Tracing Narratives