The Street: A Community Clubhouse Inspired by Indian Bylanes

Studio VDGA’s “The Street” is a visionary approach to community architecture, responding to the challenges of urban sprawl while embracing the spirit of traditional Indian communal living. Conceptually, it draws inspiration from the vibrant streets and bylanes of India, where everyday interactions—walking, playing, celebrating, and connecting—form the foundation of social life. The project translates this ethos into a clubhouse for up to 800 residents, fostering a sense of belonging and community in a suburban setting.

Street proves that meaningful architecture does not need to be flashy or expensive—it needs to be thoughtful, rooted, and human. -Ar. Deepak Gugarii, The Lead Architect

Concept and Vision

“The Street” is more than a collection of amenities; it is a living, breathing space designed to nurture human connections. Positioned within a plotted community of affordable 1500 sqft lots, the clubhouse supports residents transitioning to the city outskirts, providing a hub where social and cultural life can thrive. Unlike conventional developer-driven clubhouses, which often serve only as marketing tools, “The Street” prioritizes genuine engagement. Its meandering, street-like layout encourages spontaneous interactions, offering moments of pause, discovery, and shared experiences.

Key Design Principles

Community and Shared Experiences
The design promotes Indian communal values, encouraging residents to walk, cycle, play, celebrate festivals, and take part in daily life together. The clubhouse integrates common activities with spaces that naturally invite interaction, fostering bonds across generations.

Seamless Connectivity
The central “street” links key functions—banquet halls, restaurants, gyms, pools, and terraces—allowing residents to move fluidly between spaces without stairs. This layout mirrors the organic flow of life, enhancing the sense of continuity and connection.

Submerged and Nature-Integrated Design
Partially embedded into the ground using traditional “cut and fill” techniques, the clubhouse blends with the terrain, minimizing its visual impact and creating an organic, exploratory spatial experience. Twists and turns along the street evoke the feeling of meandering through a lively neighborhood, where surprises and moments of pause await.

Cultural References and Symbolism
A water tower on the southern edge of the site recalls traditional Indian villages, acting as a landmark and symbol of arrival. The structure draws upon Vastu Shastra principles, while raw red brick and exposed concrete finishes ground it in the local context, reinforcing a rustic, culturally resonant aesthetic.

Nostalgia and the Indian Psyche
The layout evokes the rhythm of Indian bylanes—alive with unpredictability and activity. Open spaces, largely free from doors and windows, encourage organic, tech-free interaction, strengthening community bonds and a sense of shared identity.

Celebration of Slow, Connected Living
Every plaza, lane, and pause along “The Street” reflects a deliberate celebration of a slower, more meaningful lifestyle. The design invites residents to reflect, engage with neighbors, and appreciate communal life, rekindling traditions of shared experience in a modern suburban context.

Architecture as a Social Catalyst

In “The Street,” architecture becomes a medium for connection, engagement, and cultural continuity. It demonstrates that meaningful spaces are not defined by size, extravagance, or cost, but by thoughtfulness, rootedness, and humanity. Here, streets are more than physical paths—they are stages for stories, relationships, and collective life, bridging past traditions with contemporary community living.

Photography: Edmund Sumner