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Design of Nalanda University campus as a part of graduation project
The Revival of Nalanda University | July 2018 - Dec 2018 | Solo Graduation Project
Overview
To design a university campus, which being modern and state-of-the-art will also follow the path of sustainability while being comfortable and efficient for the occupants and visitors.
Project Details
Location: Rajgir, Bihar
Total Area: 450 Acres
Maximum FAR : 1.5
Maximum Ground Coverage : 25%
My Role
This was a individual project and the scope of the project was limited to the designing of Master Plan, i.e., site plan of the university and detail designing of the following
- Library Block
- Typical Academic block
- Administrative Block
Objectives
To study the history, planning & circulation of old Nalanda University.
To design a self sustained campus, which accommodates all modern facilities and technology without compromising the Buddhism essence of Nalanda.
To study campus design and planning to promote a welcoming environment where students and faculties from various parts of the world meet, interact and exchange their ideas and knowledge
To integrate open green spaces with the built mass.
Design Process
Understanding the past
The site for Nalanda University is located on the southwest outskirts of Rajgir town.
It is approximately 12 kms from historical site of the ancient Nalanda University.
This pancharatna concept of planning consisting of a central shrine and four subsidiary ones at the corners became the essence of design of the Buddhist style of architecture that flourished subsequently in Southeast Asia.
Site Analysis
Concept Development
The site extends in an East-west orientation and so the main development stretches this way but all propect is to the south owing to its view of the magnificent Rajgir Hills
The entry gate is inspired by a Buddhist dome. On entry to the site, the view of the magnificent Rajgir Hills is evident. A large raised platform with a statue of Lord Buddha at the focal point.
Zoning
KEY INFERENCES
1. All zones should be within a 10 minutes of walking distance to the central core of the campus.
2. Campus should as far as possible be pedestrianized and pathways designed in such a way so as to promote pedestrianization.
3.The Director’s and VC’s residences must be in a hassle free zone with limited access.
4. Large common amenities serve better purpose than smaller subdivided zones.
5. The location of Auditorim and Guest House must be in a close proximity to the main entry.
Final Design
Library Block
Front Elevation
Side Elevation
Administrative Block
Front Elevation
Side Elevation
Academic Block
Front Elevation
Side Elevation
Site Views
Outcomes
This project was supervised by Dr. Aniket Sharma, Associate Prof. NIT Hamirpur for a span of five months.
A lot of research and analysis was done before the final design. Due to the huge scale of 450 acres, it was difficult to stick to the scope of the project since a lot of things had to be taken into consideration.
The systematic steps followed in every stage backed by rigorous discussions and meetings with the professors helped me come up with a sustainable design which was comfortable and efficient for the occupants and visitors.
This project helped me understand working on large scale projects better.
Next Projects
My journey of understanding the objective of Multiply culminated in defining its Information Architecture
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