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Dalmia Bharat鈥檚 shuttlecock-shaped badminton centre in Bhubaneswar is a bold leap in sports infrastructure 鈥� symbolic in form, global in ambition and sustainable by design. A collaboration with the Odisha government and Gopichand Academy, it reflects India鈥檚 evolving sporting vision.Building more than an academy At the heart of 鈥楽huttle by Dalmia Bharat鈥� lies a powerful vision, one that sees infrastructure not merely as physical structures but catalysts for national progress. 鈥淲ith this project, the intent was to build more than a badminton academy,鈥� says Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO, Dalmia Bharat. 鈥淲e aimed to create a place that inspires young athletes and redefines what sports infrastructure can look like in India.鈥漅ooted in the spirit of the game, the architecture is bold and purposeful 鈥� a natural extension of Dalmia Bharat鈥檚 belief that 鈥淚ndia is ready to invest in world-class design for world-class performance.鈥滱 unified missionThe academy is the result of a seamless partnership between Dalmia Bharat, the Odisha government and the Gopichand Academy. As Dalmia notes, 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 just a collaboration; it was a unified mission from the start.鈥� The Odisha government brought its commitment to sports while Pullela Gopichand contributed technical expertise and long-term vision.For its part, Dalmia Bharat brought in engineering and project execution capabilities to realise the architectural ambition. In addition to elite sports training, the facility includes spaces dedicated to yoga and meditation, reflecting what Dalmia calls 鈥渁 holistic approach that strengthens physical fitness, mental toughness and inner calmness鈥�.A statement of sporting intentWith an expansive 77,000 sq ft of built-up area, the academy will train 50 players annually and attract national and international tournaments. 鈥淯ntil now, very few training centres in India have combined global-standard functionality with iconic design,鈥� points out Dalmia. 鈥淭his facility does both.鈥漈he message is clear: 鈥淭his is infrastructure that inspires. It shows what's possible when sport is treated as a national priority, not an afterthought.鈥滷rom symbol to structureThe striking form of the building 鈥� a giant shuttlecock 鈥� was not an aesthetic afterthought but the starting point of the design. 鈥淲e wanted a form that clearly connected to the sport,鈥� explains Sourabh Gupta, Principal Architect, Studio Archohm. 鈥淭he shuttlecock was a natural choice. But turning that into a functioning building was a journey.鈥漈he goal was to translate the movement, balance and symmetry of badminton into architectural form. What began as a symbolic idea evolved into a space where design and function work seamlessly together.Where performance meets aestheticsInternally, the building is calibrated to meet global standards in lighting, ventilation and court dimensions. 鈥淭o retain visual lightness without compromising performance, we created a suspended court box wrapped within the larger shell,鈥� shares Gupta. 鈥淭he building literally breathes between two skins 鈥� one functional, one visual.鈥� This dual-layer structure ensures optimal playing conditions while delivering a striking profile that commands attention.Designing against the windOne of the most complex challenges was building a lightweight, expressive form that could also withstand Odisha鈥檚 frequent cyclones. 鈥淐rafting the shuttlecock silhouette with aerodynamic integrity required precise modelling and high-level structural innovation,鈥� says Dalmia.Gupta elaborates, 鈥淭he circular form is inherently aerodynamic, which helps reduce wind loads. The structure sits atop a reinforced glass cylinder and internal load paths were meticulously planned to disperse forces efficiently.鈥� Every material and system was chosen not just for its aesthetic appeal, but for resilience.Illuminating the nightCome dusk and another facet of the building comes to light 鈥� literally. 鈥淟ighting was conceived as an integral part of the experience,鈥� Gupta explains. By night, each feather of the shuttlecock is lit independently, allowing the entire structure to glow. What functions as a high-performance sports centre during the day becomes a luminous public landmark at night.Sustainability by designSustainability was embedded into the project at every level. 鈥淔rom using low-carbon materials to optimising energy loads, we ensured to keep the building鈥檚 environmental footprint minimal,鈥� says Gupta.The shuttlecock鈥檚 inverted form also supports passive cooling. 鈥淚t allows warm air to rise and exit through planned vents, keeping interiors cooler naturally,鈥� he adds. The circular footprint reduces direct sun exposure while the roof design provides shade throughout the day, dramatically reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.In line with Dalmia Bharat鈥檚 sustainability commitment, green construction principles were rigorously applied. 鈥淲e prioritised locally sourced, low-carbon materials, including fly-ash concrete and green-certified finishes,鈥� notes Gupta.Rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling and soft landscaping for groundwater recharge were built into the infrastructure. Even construction waste was managed through strict segregation and reuse.A place for everyoneWhile designed as a high-performance training facility, the academy has also been envisioned as a social and civic space. 鈥淭he intention was to create a community space, not just a sports facility,鈥� says Gupta.Indeed, features like the walk of fame, an outdoor amphitheatre and shaded public areas make the campus inclusive and engaging. 鈥淭he green zones weren鈥檛 just aesthetic choices,鈥� he underlines. 鈥淭hey were created to support microclimates, social activity and biodiversity.鈥�-Kavita Parab FACT FILE Project name: Shuttle by Dalmia Bharat Location: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Construction cost: Significant CSR-funded investment by Dalmia Bharat (exact amount confidential) Year of completion: December 12, 2024 Total area: 77,000 sq ft built-up area on a 3-acre site Developer: Dalmia Bharat Group Architect: Archohm Technologies suppliers: Integrated systems for HVAC, lighting, energy-efficiency Other vendors/suppliers: Lighting designers, landscape consultants, structural engineer