Introduction
The structure sits amid the chaotic urban fabric of Ballard Estate, Mumbai. The structure acts as a link between the Cochin street and the Calicut streets. The design is wrapped around the 148-year-old banyan tree. Spread across the plot area of 11,200 Sqft (1040 sqm), with a built-up area of 10,870 Sqft (1000 sqm). The 145-year-old Ice Factory was repurposed in 2022 into a contemporary space for architecture, design, and arts by Malik Architecture.
History
Located within an urban grid of prominent heritage significance, the area was once a thriving commercial center, given its proximity to the docks and the Ballard Pier Mole railway station.
The area’s ship and rail connectivity made the factory a focal point for regional trade. During the 80s, Mumbai hosted ice houses where slabs of ice were stored hailing from Boston. However, Mumbai’s temperature and shipping had challenges, hence businessmen Nanabhoy Byramjee Jeejeebhoy and JA Forbes inaugurated Mumbai’s first ice factory in Ballard Estate in 1878. Named Bombay Ice Manufacturing Co, and later Ambico Ice Factory, the factory ceased operation in 2018.
Philosophy
Kamal Malik of Malik Architecture brought the once-perishing ice factory to life as soon as he stumbled upon the structure. He noticed the banyan tree cramped between the dilapidated structure and envisioned IF.BE. ‘IF.BE’ stands for ‘Ice Factory Ballard Estate’. The acronym IF.BE was devised to pay homage to its rich cultural history. Also suggesting the independent words ‘IF’ – suggestive of endless possibilities and ‘BE’ – a counterweight that provides balance and resolutions. This philosophy in Architecture is called ‘Liminal Space’. It’s the ‘in-between space’ between ‘what was’ and ‘what can be’. Sandwiched in between ‘what was’ and ‘what can be’ lies ‘what is’. Which holds the immense potential of creativity and dynamism. Because of the surreal character of the space, the structure acts like an ever-changing and ever-evolving organism, with the banyan tree at its heart. The organism remains constantly changing and evolving and acts as a repository for different dimensions like architecture, design, art, and food.
Design & Planning
The design has six prominent spaces – The Substation, a reading room for art, architecture, and design material, The Ice Factory, a performance room, The Cathedral with another exhibition area; The Banyan Tree Café and a courtyard with the Banyan tree.
The old Substation has been restored to form a visual gateway to the courtyard and the Cathedral beyond. The gable roof allows the diffused light to filter in and also reveals views of the landmark chimney. The space hosts exhibitions, performances, film screenings, workshops, and more.
The cathedral is a contemporary take on a space of worship. This space is a celebration of light, air, and nature. A modern extension of the north-lit ice factory merging into the east light as a context response. The space is utilized for various performances and workshops. Overlooking the courtyard, the space behaves like the belly of the structure. Remains in constant dynamism for the play of light and shadow of the banyan tree in the courtyard.
The heart of IF.BE being the ice factory is a 22 ft high column free space. Natural light lights up the space throughout the day via the North light trusses. At night, the original Burma Teak trusses and roof panels are highlighted using precise lighting. The gantry, which once lifted ice blocks, is operational and can be used innovatively to partition the space or to create dynamic art and installations.
The courtyard is the focal point of the structure binding all the spaces together. All the users naturally gravitate towards this space. The courtyard takes center stage weaving together a tapestry of ideas.
The Banyan Tree Cafe sits adjacent to the courtyard overlooking the banyan tree. This vibrant and lively cafe acts as a pause point for users to grab a bite after attending events or workshops.
Native Bombay Restaurant and Bar offers a contemporary spin on regional Indian cuisine. The space is held by exposed brickwork and vintage Burma teak which are accentuated during the night.
The amalgamation of design and spaces, Kamal Malik has expressed that, “ No number of words can convey the hallowed museum-like quality there”. He adds that to engage in IFBE’s personal and spatial impact, one needs to be there in a submerging twilight with the place lit up in a way that reminds him of a medieval citadel—a fortress of design inquiry.
Becoming IF.BE
The project had been a part of financial and structural challenges from the beginning. From treating decaying foundations to painstakingly restoring the original materials took almost three years to complete. The thickly plastered walls were scraped meticulously for four months before the first layer of brickwork could be exposed. The ice factory’s Burma teak wood was slowly uncovered. The main Ice Factory, sub-station, cold storage, and ice-cubing area required extensive study and retrofitting to stabilize crumbling, warped, and leaking walls, sagging roofs, and trusses. The existing North-light truss roofs are extended over the Cathedral and were rotated 90 degrees to form the East-light roofs to preserve light and ventilation for the neighboring structure. The pitched lantern roof of the sub-station extends over the courtyard and impacts the large glass walls of the newly formed ‘Cathedral’ Space. Old relics found on-site during construction were innovatively utilized. The original gantry now functions as a partition to repurpose the space.
References:
Malik Architecture (2022). IF BE / Malik Architecture. [online]. (Last updated 2022). Available at: https://www.malikarchitecture.com/IF-BE-1.php [Accessed 20 January 2024].
Avantika Shankar (2022). Here’s how an old ice factory in Mumbai was transformed into a cultural hub. [online]. (Last updated 2022). Available at: https://www.architecturaldigest.in/story/heres-how-an-old-ice-factory-in-mumbai-was-transformed-into-a-cultural-hub/ [Accessed 20 January 2024].
ArchDaily. (2023). IF.BE Ice Factory Ballard Estate / Malik Architecture. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/1004691/ie-ice-factory-ballard-estate-malik-architecture?ad_source=search&ad_medium=projects_tab.
Shradha Sahani (2022). Why you should hang out at Mumbai’s oldest Ice Factory. [online]. (Last updated 2022). Available at: https://www.cntraveller.in/story/why-you-should-hang-out-at-mumbais-oldest-ice-factory-ballard-estate/ [Accessed 20 January 2024].
