![Bangalore International Centre by Hundredhands](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/10/Bangalore-International-Centre-Hundredhands-architecture-photography-andre-fanthome_dezeen_2364_hero_a-852x479.jpg)
Domed oculus connects floors of concrete-framed cultural centre in India
Architecture studio Hundredhands inserted a funnel-shaped window between the floors of the concrete and brick Bangalore International Centre in India.
A cavernous auditorium lined with angled, perforated wooden panels sits at the heart of the cultural centre in the Domlur township of the city of Bangalore.
![Bangalore International Centre by Hundredhands](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/10/Bangalore-International-Centre-Hundredhands-architecture-photography-andre-fanthome_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x672.jpg)
Occupying a narrow site alongside a park in a low-rise neighbourhood, the Bangalore International Centre – which exists to "enhance dialogue and foster ideas across cultures" – is formed by a slim concrete frame encasing a steel-framed glazed box.
Hundredhands' design, which was selected from 90 designs following a competition in 2012, combines public spaces and seminar rooms as well as an art gallery and restaurant across its three storeys.
![Bangalore International Centre by Hundredhands](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/10/Bangalore-International-Centre-Hundredhands-architecture-photography-andre-fanthome_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x640.jpg)
"Though situated on a tight site this generous internal volume suggests a much larger facility and is capable of handling large groups of people," said the practice.
"The interconnected nature of the public spaces gives the sense of being part of a larger community."
![Bangalore International Centre by Hundredhands](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/10/Bangalore-International-Centre-Hundredhands-architecture-photography-andre-fanthome_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x766.jpg)
The Bangalore International Centre's main entrance faces the park and leads into a double-height foyer space.
This foyer acts as a holding area for the auditorium and also houses the circulation connecting each of the centre's storeys.
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A large perforated brick wall which wraps around the ground-floor restaurant, setting it apart from the concrete of the rest of the structure and providing a backdrop for the foyer.
This brick wall continues up to the building's second storey, where an oculus provides views down to the floor below.
![Bangalore International Centre by Hundredhands](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/10/Bangalore-International-Centre-Hundredhands-architecture-photography-andre-fanthome_dezeen_2364_col_13-852x568.jpg)
The auditorium, which can seat 185, has been designed to host both acoustic and amplified performances.
Angled wooden panels are oriented to help reflect sound around the space.
![Bangalore International Centre by Hundredhands](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/10/Bangalore-International-Centre-Hundredhands-architecture-photography-andre-fanthome_dezeen_2364_col_18-852x626.jpg)
Due to space restrictions on the site, the opportunity for open, external spaces was limited.
Instead the building has been surrounded with a landscaped buffer zone planted with local foliage with clusters of outdoor seating.
![Bangalore International Centre by Hundredhands](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/10/Bangalore-International-Centre-Hundredhands-architecture-photography-andre-fanthome_dezeen_2364_col_17-852x850.jpg)
Furthering this connection with the outside, the second storey opens out onto covered balconies and a shaded walkway which wraps around the perimeter.
A large terrace occupies the roof of the centre, with a seating area shielded from the sun by a glass canopy and tensile fabric components.
![Bangalore International Centre by Hundredhands](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/10/Bangalore-International-Centre-Hundredhands-architecture-photography-andre-fanthome_dezeen_2364_col_23-852x479.jpg)
Hundredhands was founded in 2003 and is directed by Sunitha Kondur and Bijoy Ramachandran.
Bangalore, dubbed the "silicon valley of India", has recently been subject to plans for a new smart city designed by Dutch practice UNStudio, which would see buildings covered in cooling white paint.
Photography is by Andre Fanthome.