Global Education Centre-Infosys, Mysore

The Infosys’ Global Education Centre in My

Global Education Centre-Infosys,

The Infosys’ Global Education Centre in Mysore is a vision of grandness brought to life with its sweeping, majestic dome and colonnades in Doric style. The design encompasses the values of this global company, the lifestyle of its users and its context in an ever-evolving campus. Given its infrastructure and size of operations, Infosys’ GEC is the largest corporate education centre in the world. Set on a sprawling 337-acre campus, Infosys’ educational and training hub has the capacity to train over 14,000 people at the same time. It is, in essence, an inception centre to thousands of Infosians who hail from all walks of life, diverse nationalities and cultures. The architectural language for the GEC building was derived from an appreciation of classical tradition in architecture and arts. Its classical style is the culmination of the highest refinement of construction and it speaks of stability, longevity and strength – all the qualities that are the institution’s core principles. The imposing structure with lofty domes, tall pillars and spacious interiors brings to mind the grand Mysore palace with its dramatic three-storied stone structure made with fine granite and set amidst meticulously trimmed gardens with a profusion of delicately curved arches, bow-like canopies, magnificent bay windows and columns in varied styles. A large central courtyard formed by the curvilinear building wings marks the approach to the central entrance porch of GEC – II. In terms of aesthetics the entrance porch is flanked by six Doric columns with a pediment raised by a high plinth. These main columns in the denticular Doric style have been designed and built according to the principle applied in the Doric orders of Vignola. Each column is 56-feet in height and 7-feet in diameter. There are 86 smaller Doric columns along the entire façade set above a solid ground-floor base. A central dome that holds the entire structure together is the most stunning feature of the building. It measures 65-feet in diameter with its pinnacle rising 195 feet above the ground. The qualitative aspect pronounced by classical forms allows the transition of experiential spaces that is required for this institution. The entrance porch leads to two central spaces; one is circular and the other is an elliptical naturally lit space that gives the structure ample scope to conceal and reveal effects. This two-storey structure is set on a slope and includes two lower-ground areas that are connected to neighbouring blocks. The third-floor houses a library around the elliptical skylight. It measures 40,000 sqft and is surrounded by terraces overlooking the ground floor lobby. A large, impressive meeting hall beneath the dome accommodates around 40 people and has a separate waiting lobby accessible from the library level. The lower ground-floor includes the concept centre with online classrooms, examination halls and other management and administration rooms surrounding it. The facility boasts of several classrooms that can accommodate 100 people each and few halls that can hold up to 200 people each. There is a food-court that seats 1,550 people indoors and 250 people outdoors. Its stair court is a triple-height space architecturally treated with columns and arches with cast-iron railings at intervals. All in all, it’s a grand concept that encourages visionary thinking brought together by a world-class company

BITS PILANI, PILANI

BITS PILANI

BITS PILANI,

BITS PILANI

IIIT, Pune, Pune

IIIT, Pune

IIIT, Pune,

IIIT, Pune

BITS PILANI, RAJASTHAN - 2014

• SITE AREA: 273 Acres • ¬PROJECT YEAR: Compl

BITS PILANI,

• SITE AREA: 273 Acres • ¬PROJECT YEAR: Completed 2014 • Completed - New Academic Block (NAB) - approx. 160,000 sq.ft built up area Set in a historic background, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan built in early 1900s is a centre for excellence and learning. The institute desired the modernization of its infrastructure and desired to increase its student intake from 3500 to 5000 students while also modernizing all its existing facilities. The First Task was the Construction of The New Academic Block (NAB) at BITS Pilani which has been envisioned and designed as a visual Link between the Grand Old Clock Tower that sits atop the existing Academic Block on the North End of the campus & the Saraswati Mandir that adorns the south End forming this important visual axis. In between these 2 important Pilani Landmarks lay a Recreational Ground admeasuring an area of almost 50,000 sq.m; this was the only large parcel of Land available for any significant construction of Academic Space

Mahindra World School, Chennai

Mahindra World School,

Sarla Birla Academy, Bangalore

The

Sarla Birla Academy,

The Sarala Birla Academy, Bangalore The Sarala Birla Academy, a residential boy’s school is spread over 67 acres. The campus is located just off Bangalore, near the Bannerghatta National Park. The client’s primary brief was to fashion an architecture that would inspire discipline and bestow a strong sense of values amongst its students. They also desired a classical architectural aesthetic. The architect, to begin with, zeroed in on a gothic architectural style. At the outset, the design experiments involved exercises exploring the scopes of form, proportion and scale. In the end, skilful massing of form, subtle embellishment of its elements and a reverence to scale and proportion achieves the desired character. The classical spirit of the campus transposes you to the venerable portals of historically prestigious institutions. The external expression of the building is emphasised by strong vertical lines, pointed windows and door openings. The fanciful details and ornamentation adorning the windows add to the classical look. The parapets, which have a series of flamboyant pointed pinnacles, rising from the columns are again a reflection of gothic influence. The edifice is dominated by towering blue roofs that stand out against the subtleness of the cream palette of the buildings. Ultimately, the low-rise monumentality of its architecture blends into its pristine surrounds. The symmetry of the layout augments the feel of formalness. The academic block is the focal point with all subsidiary buildings expressing a lesser sense of scale and embellishment. In the academic block, a higher volume for important areas like the assembly hall, the library and the entrance foyer accentuates these spaces while adding to elegance of the built form. All the hostel blocks have central courts that enhance interaction and present a space to pursue leisure interest. The interior spaces of the school have charming vistas and natural lighting. The building programs are interspersed with sporting facilities that reflect the school’s keenness to highlight extra curricular activities along with academics. The campus has hockey, football, cricket grounds, a swimming pool, tennis, basketball, badminton, table tennis and squash courts. Art, theatre and music block also forms a distinct part of the campus. An 18-bed hospital, postal and banking facilities are on-site making it a self-sufficient development.

NICMAR, PUNE

NICMAR,

NICMAR, Pune NICMAR or The National Institute of Construction Management and Research was built as a result of a pioneering three-way collaboration between the government, business houses and experts in the field of construction. The Institute is located at Balewadi near Pune. The Architect’s primary objective was to create a building that showcased the construction industry. The initial scheme featured facades that included a multitude of materials and colours but were considered too flamboyant. Later, the building evolved to its present form, with its monochromatic shades and unconventional inclining columns. These exuberant inclining exterior columns are an arbitrary manifestation of a forward-looking architectural aesthetic and they go on to reflect the innovatory visions of the Indian construction industry. The architectural vocabulary is dominated with orderly clean lines amidst exposed stone surfaces, glass, concrete, aluminium, steel and ceramic tiles. Pale yellow granite cladding delicately accentuates the entrance. The clear glass wall adjacent to the entrance enhances the expression of the steel stairs. The complex has been designed for teaching, research, conferencing and outdoor training activities. The academic block is a 3-storey structure and includes classrooms, library, canteen, reference section, documentation centre, scholar’s cabins, work area for support staff, computer centres and faculty rooms. Hostel facilities for students, staff accommodation and guestrooms also form a part of the campus. The site is relatively small for an institutional campus. The buildings are spread over 9,000 sq m on an 11-acre plot of land. Therefore, the design of the academic block focused on creating a sense of openness. It features a series of projecting flowerbeds on different levels, which provide visual relief for the classrooms and add to the aesthetics of the facade.

ISB, Hyderabad

ISB, Hyderabad

ISB,

ISB, Hyderabad

Hiranandani Foundation School, Mumbai

Hiranandani Foundation School, Powai

Hiranandani Foundation School,

Hiranandani Foundation School, Powai

Infosys ECC, Pune

Main- Infosys ECC, Pune

Infosys ECC,

Main- Infosys ECC, Pune

Hindustan Times, Noida, Noida

Hindustan Times, Noida

Hindustan Times, Noida,

Hindustan Times, Noida

IIT Bombay- Hostel, Mumbai

IIT Bombay- Hostel,

Indian Institute of Technology- Hostel, Mumbai The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) quintessentially represent India’s greatest global brand and are often perceived as one of the most influential undergraduate schools in the world. When the IIT Mumbai approached the architect to create a signature hostel facility to vitalise the ambiance of the entire campus, it was instantly realised that the context demanded a bold response and a compelling architectural gesture to reflect the aura of the brand IIT. In the early stages, the architect recommended the institute to create a grand promenade along the Powai Lake, which eventually turned out to be the site for the hostel block. Originally, the hostel design featured triangular shaped 14-storey structures with tube like bridges connecting the blocks. This conception was considered too radical by the institute. Subsequently the design evolved to its present form, which has radiating blocks with a stepped form. The site is contoured with numerous trees and the architect endeavoured to retain all the trees and build around them. The requirement was for 1,000 additional rooms. This facility has been provided in two clusters of 3 blocks each, which radiate from a point. The profiles of these blocks have a certain organic quality as they follow the natural contours of the site. The floor layout of the hostel block has a central corridor flanked on either side by rooms. Fixed built-in furniture optimises the spaces inside the rooms. The 15-m high sky bridge which emerges out of one building like a glass tube and connects to the next is an especially interesting element. It houses activity zones and pierces through each cluster of three buildings. These futuristic elements take on a life of their own in the evening. They appear like floating masses of space and add a whimsy quality to the development. The activity zones housed in the sky bridge include a TV lounge, table tennis, gym, music room and lounge areas. A dramatic cone accentuates the entrance to the underground cafeteria, which is located in the centre of the complex. With its distinct vocabulary, it forms the focal point from which all the buildings radiate outwards. The giant meandering organic shape of the cafeteria again follows the natural landscape of the site. The hostel clusters with their lack of rigid symmetry in composition invite the viewer to experience the buildings as a variety of changing vistas. A composition of voids, colours, curved roofs, stepped forms and the luminescent sky bridge create a toy- like expression.

Gyanodaya- Birla Training Centre, Navi Mumbai

Gyanodaya- Birla Training Centre,

Gyanodaya -A.V. Birla Training Centre, Mumbai Gyanodaya is a management-learning centre committed to teaching the core values and visions of the A.V. Birla group to its newly imbibed workforce. Sited in Navi Mumbai, the building is marked by strong rectilinear lines. The variant colours of white and yellow accentuate the indents and projections of the facade. The two colours also achieve the objective of defining the two distinct functions that the architectural programme entails- work and play. The white residential section floats on the yellow training and research centre. The 6-storey building is squeezed into a relatively small plot. The ground, 1st and 2nd floors are devoted to training and research. The ground floor has a reception lounge, a multi-purpose hall that accommodates 100 people, two product display areas and an administrative office. An auditorium, conference rooms and a few lecture rooms are located on the 1st floor. The design has 8 casual breakout areas that can accommodate 6 to 12 people to facilitate smaller informal discussion groups. The 2nd floor houses a wood-panelled library and faculty rooms. On the 3rd floor, terraces lined with potted plants surround a glass-vaulted dining room with a seating capacity of 70. The kitchen and storerooms are situated adjacent to the dining area. The 4th floor functions as a service floor separating the training facilities from the residential section on the 5th and 6th floors. The residential floors encompass 34 rooms and offer an ambiance of a 5-star hotel complete with a waiting lounge, table tennis facilities, gym, shower, sauna and locker facilities. The open-air terrace on top of the building serves as a good venue for large gatherings of up to 300 guests. A series of internal voids, double height volumes that create visual connection between levels contribute to the interactive quality of the spaces. Some of the most interesting aspects of the design are in the details - the wing like canopy elements in the entrance, fashioned with teflon and steel, is nothing short of an intriguing, fanciful creation. The broken black column that culminates with steel in the facade has a symbolic connotation, signifying how the imparting of knowledge shapes the raw talent that comes to the institute into polished managers symbolised by the smooth and complete column at the other end.

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY - DUHOK, IRAQ -2016

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY - DUHOK,

OSHO Commune, Pune

Osho Commune, Pune.

OSHO Commune,

Osho Commune, Pune. The architecture of Osho Commune is striking in its subtlety as it integrates into the lush green surrounds. It is the centre from which Bhagwan Rajneesh (Osho) instituted his philosophical teachings upon his return to India. The centre houses a community, consisting of individuals from all over the world in a closely protected environment. Osho himself is accessible only to a favoured few and intensely protected by his loyal disciples. He was not even able to meet the architect to brief him about his aspirations for the institution. After having rejected several preliminary concepts, Osho sent his design directives through a thick book with a postage stamp-sized photograph and a message on a small piece of paper with the phrase - black, black and black. The image was of a barn at sunset, very shadowy, with a dramatic blue halo encompassing the structure. The final design conception interpreted the mysterious metaphors while combining the tectonic presence of the built form with human scale, incessantly responding to the surrounding landscape. The design highlights the pyramid- using the oldest extant monumental form to epitomize the spectrum of the client’s philosophical beliefs. The idea was not to create buildings, but to create an environment with emphasis on spaces that are quiet, tranquil and serene. Osho’s intimations meant that the obvious choice of colour was black with blue highlights. Perceptibly, the compelling black pyramidal forms have a series of symbolic connotations - black embodies the amalgamation of all colours, harnesses cosmic energy and the pyramid is the most stable form. Blue used in the fenestrations, Osho is said to have suggested, signifies enlightenment -the halo of life. The design composition includes a simple cluster of four blocks. The pyramids are large meditation halls with smaller halls below them. An L-shaped building provides comfortable visitor’s accommodation and includes basic amenities like kitchenettes and storage space. One of the pyramids has a triangular skylight leaving the quadrangle on the ground floor open to both sunlight and rain. These buildings are placed around a central courtyard, in keeping with the idea of providing open spaces in the Ashram. Structurally, each pyramid is conceived as a shell element resting on peripheral beams that in turn rest on reinforced concrete columns. The visual impact of the facades lies in the variations in the intensity of the blacks and in the inherent textures of the varied materials. The walls of the pyramids are clad in semi-gloss black ceramic tiles with borders and ashlar corners in black granite. The windows have black aluminium framing around blue tinted glass. These structures stand out against the rough black cuddapah paving and beautiful landscaping. Visually holding the cluster of pyramids together is a large tree sheltering the central open plaza. In an incredible transformation, a nullah (sewer) on the site was developed into a beautiful water body. A self-regulating system using aquatic plants as the main cleaning factor was formed, village drains were linked to sewer lines and Gambusia’s (mosquito eating fish) were bred in the water. Today, this garden has clear water pools, waterfalls and thick green foliage and blooming flowers all over.

Rusi Modi Centre of Excellence, Jamshedpur

Rusi Modi Centre of Excellence,

The Rusi Modi Centre of Excellence, Jamshedpur Conference The Rusi Modi Centre of Excellence is an architectural testimonial to the creative genius of technocrats, who served at Tata Steel, one of India’s most revered industrial establishments. An obvious response to such an architectural problem could have been the conventional statement of monumentality using usual architectural semantics demonstrating power -height, breadth and mass. However, the centre’s architecture is a reinterpretation of monumentality. Its subtle architecture commands rather than demanding attention. The building is designed as a formal gate to the Jubilee Park, a treasured garden in Jamshedpur, adjacent to which is a large green zone. The concept started with the prime notion that no structure should jut out and be seen from the road, disturbing the natural beauty of the environs. According to the ensuing concept, the visitor is led through a series of courtyards that are partly set underground at varying levels, creating a foreground for the built form to emerge. The architecture’s mass is hidden and can’t be read in the usual manner- partial facades, entryways, colonnaded cloisters and extrusions from the ground demarcate its presence from the landscape. The main entrance, on the western end of a largely rectangular site, features an alluring triangular entryway that invites the visitor to explore what is hidden underneath. Through the pyramidal entranceway, one descends into a walkway that leads to a lush green, circular paved courtyard with a central multi-layered mound. This sort of incorporation of the landscape with built environment creates a blurring interface between the landscape and structure. The architectural programme includes exhibition areas, auditoriums, archive spaces, library, cafeteria and the associated offices. Two water bodies are set across the side entrance along the south east corner of the complex. Two rows of 5 columns, 30 feet high, flank the path along these water bodies, adding to the ceremonial experience. These lead to a square shaped plaza that serves as a momentary pause before leading to the exhibition halls and offices on the left and the archives, auditorium and cafeteria on the right. The L-shaped block of low-rise structure housing the archives, cafeteria and the auditorium is positioned perpendicular to the exhibition halls and the offices. Each functional area, between 900 to 1,500 sq m, is arranged in clusters around a large central courtyard, with peripheral courtyards and gateways.

PCMC Centre, Pune

PCMC Centre, Pune

PCMC Centre,

PCMC Centre, Pune

Textile Committee, Mumbai

The Tex

Textile Committee,

The Textile Laboratory and Research Institute, Mumbai Mystifying curving shapes, fluid facades and unexpected angles, which are unfamiliar to the eye, are the first compelling glimpses that one encounters of the Textile Laboratory and Research Institute. Situated in the busy locality of Prabhadevi in Mumbai- it is an intriguing piece of architecture, ripe with metaphoric interpretations ranging from flowing fabrics to a spinning wheel (charkha). It is a development designed for the Textile Committee, an autonomous body of the Government of India. The project was awarded to the architect following the short-listing of a few select practices. The primary design idea was to reflect the powerful tradition and rich heritage of Indian textiles in the building’s architecture. Raised on a podium, the Textile Laboratory and Research Institute is designed to accommodate the research activities of the centre, along with administrative facilities in one block. Another block houses the conference facilities. The third block includes the staff quarters and guesthouses. Even as the design segregates the above activities, it brings them together through a central atrium. The atrium symbolically depicts the charkha that is rooted in India’s glorious textile heritage. The atrium structure is basically a steel frame swathed in a teflon fabric. It concludes in the crown as a wheel, which is reminiscent of the charkha. The supporting steel members that culminate at the wheel also add to the drama of the space. Juxtaposing of wavy granite, aluminium and glass surfaces marks the 6-storey building block. The wavy facade derives its inspiration from the imagery of flowing fabrics. The materials used, with the contrast in their intrinsic textures and colours go on to reflect the diverse range of Indian textiles.

MANIPAL UNIVERSITY, JAIPUR - 2015

• SITE AREA: 185Acres • DESIGN BRIEF: New Acad

MANIPAL UNIVERSITY,

• SITE AREA: 185Acres • DESIGN BRIEF: New Academic Block, Boys Hostel, Girls Hostel, Food Court, Facility Block. • COMPLETED YEAR: 2015 (NAB Phase 1); • BUILT-UP AREA (ACADEMIC BLOCK - Phase 1): 1.25 Lac Sq. ft. • BUILT-UP AREA (RESIDENTIAL BLOCK - Phase I & II & Ancillary Block): Completed 10 Lac Sq. ft. On the University side, The New Academic Block (NAB) is placed along this central axis. The Design appears to capture a glimpse of the bygone era by incorporating the features such as the Rajasthan Courtyard, bright colored facades, double wall construction, jali work, etc. however each of the above is provided with the very specific purpose of making a world class Platinum rated campus & building. The Residential side of the campus sits on a site of 56 acres and it comprises of approx 3000 Student Rooms; an 1800 capacity triple Cover Food court; Faculty Housing; Security Block; Industrial Laundry; High Side Services and several areas of Recreation.

RGIPT, Raebareli

RGIPT, Raebareli

RGIPT,

RGIPT, Raebareli

Infosys Hostel, Mysore

Infosys Hostel,

Infosys Hostel, Mysore The hostel is situated at the Infosys training hub at Mysore. The plan and elevation follow a distinct hierarchical inclined and angular design approach. This informal way of planning breaks the rigid monotony associated with such large developments. The blocks range from 4 to 6 storeys, often with inclined stilts below, which give it a constant transforming architectural experience. The uneven play of levels at the lower sections of the blocks brings about a flamboyant space relationship with the outer landscape. The development collectively includes 7750 rooms. The staircase units of the structures, with their prominent emergence from the overall mass, create exciting highlights. Further, the consistent reoccurrence or repetition of circular fenestration on the facade holds together the unconventional three-dimensional angular compositions.

RGIPT, Assam

RGIPT, Assam The Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petr

RGIPT,

RGIPT, Assam The Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology located in Sivsagar, Assam is a residential campus spread over 35 acres in a 100 acres plot. With built up area of approximately 4,00,000 lakh sq. feet, it has 400 student accommodation units and several academic blocks with labs, lecture and seminar halls, library, staff rooms, indoor and outdoor sports facilities. The entire campus has exposed brick work and is sensitive to the environment. It takes elements from local architecture like sloping roofs, deep shading devices and verandahs with railings to shield its inhabitants from torrential rains. The structures were kept low rise to save on construction costs and enable scenic, lush green views at eye level. This ‘Institute of National Importance’ had its foundation stone laid by the Prime Minister in February 2011.

IIT Bombay- Convetion Centre, Mumbai

IIT Bombay- Convetion Centre, Powai

IIT Bombay- Convetion Centre,

IIT Bombay- Convetion Centre, Powai

NIFT, Mumbai

National Institute Of Fashion Techn

NIFT,

National Institute Of Fashion Technology, Navi Mumbai National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is a leading institute in the arena of fashion design and technology. The development spread over 20,000 sq m site, is located in Navi Mumbai. The academy already had an existing facility but needed major extensions. The overall layout of the campus is planned around a courtyard. The new campus is linked to the existing building with an enclosed corridor. The various elements of the new development have been designed as independent building blocks and have been laid out around the existing structure. The entry to the main campus is through an ambient corridor which forms the foreground to the different academic buildings like the Textile design department block, Management block, Technology block, Fashion and Apparel block and the Resource centre. The Ambient space on the ground floor is designed as a semi open area lined with green patches and metal staircases, large enough to hold informal events. The central courtyard also has an open-air amphitheatre to accommodate large gatherings. The central influence that steered the architect was to establish spaces for creative exchange. Therefore, the physical environment in the campus is woven around the sensitivity that a lot of interactions occur in a spontaneous manner and as a result creating activity spaces around the formal study areas was a priority. At the outset, this idea is manifested in the form of an ambient corridor that forms the spine of the campus. This corridor while linking the departments physically provides ample space for casual activities and informal fashion shows. The rhythm of the contrasting spaces in this corridor- from narrow to wide, short to tall, enclosed concrete to exposed steel institutes an interesting sense of aesthetic. The entry to the campus is through a grand entrance plaza with a large metal roof porch. A multi-purpose hall with 700 seats has been placed near the entrance plaza to facilitate entry and exit of guests without actually having to enter the campus. The car park area has 80 car parking facility. The buildings have been designed as 1 and 2-storey structures for easy vertical circulation and are connected together horizontally through wide corridors at all levels.