The Oval Stepwell
Lead Designer
Daksh Goel
Location
Kirti Nagar, New Delhi
Size
6000ft²
Photography
Rahul Sethi
Chand Baori, located in Abhaneri Village, Rajasthan, is the world’s deepest and one of the oldest surviving stepwells. Its 13-story symmetrical structure, with thousands of geometric steps descending toward the water, creates a striking visual rhythm that leaves visitors in awe. Built by King Chandra of the Nikumbha Dynasty, the stepwell functioned as a crucial water reservoir in Rajasthan’s arid climate, helping store rainwater and recharge the local water table.
The Lost Heritage of Abhaneri Stepwell
Over time, India’s oldest stepwell has lost much of its former glory. The site now receives barely 50 visitors, and its condition worsened further after COVID. Artifacts have been neglected and left to deteriorate, with cracks spreading through the ancient walls. The museum has become home to pigeons and rats, and the artifacts continue to crumble under harsh weather conditions. It is essential to create a protected space to preserve and display these treasures, ensuring their longevity and restoring their cultural significance.
The Concept
In an era of evolving architecture, The Oval pays homage to its heritage while embracing modernity and sustainability. Designed to attract more visitors and revive interest in Chand Baori, the structure reinterprets the traditional stepwell form in a contemporary way. While Chand Baori invites visitors to descend toward water, The Oval reverses this journey—encouraging people to ascend as they move through steps that double as amphitheater seating. The frustum-shaped form becomes a dramatic stage for light and sound shows, enhancing its cultural and economic potential. With museums, galleries, and public gathering areas woven into its layout, The Oval blends history with innovation. Its material palette draws from Chand Baori’s textures and tones, maintaining continuity while standing as a timeless architectural tribute to India’s lost heritage.