CAMPUS PLANNING

CAMPUS: NIFT, NEW DELHI

OWNERSHIP: GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

ARCHITECT: STEIN DOSHI & BHALLA

SITE AREA: 11560 SQ METERS (3 ACRE)

BUILT UP AREA: 13570 SQ. METERS (INCLUDING BASEMENT)

LOCATION: HAUZ KHAS, NEW DELHI

YEAR OF COMPLETION: 1996

The main access to the site is North East and North West side of the campus. Site is irregular in
shape and is surrounded by classical dance institute, Hauz Khas housing and Gulmohar Park.

SITE PLANNING
 The site is a flat land with artificial slopes. Proper segregation of functions as building blocks is places in
certain set of zones which is determined by the function character of the building block.
 The planning revolves around the two courts- the sunken cover with a stepped kund and the
amphitheatre.
 Although apart from the zonal green there is not any substantial green area to be landscaped, the
institute gives a feeling of richly landscaped environment.
 The circulation is planned for 2 types of movement; pedestrian and vehicular.
 An inner road leads to the man car park just outside the main entrance.
 There are 2 entries to the campus; one is on the front side and the other on the back side of the campus.
 Different blocks acquire different shapes and form depending upon the functions they are accommodating.
 The building blocks are concentrated around the sunken court thus generating activity &creating lively
environment.

ZONING
The site is basically divided into 3 different zones.

 Academic block is similar in pan and in function, occupies the left portion of the site.
 Administrative block along with canteen and library is in the right side.
 The hostel block is placed right at the back of the site.
 ORIENTATION: Building is aligned with its long sites along N-W & S-E axis, facilitating good exposure to
the sun and breeze, at time causing glare.
 Different blocks of building complex are placed according to the site line. All the peripheral building lines
are parallel to the site lines.
 Opening for light and ventilation have been sacrificed for aesthetic considerations than climate comfort.

 ENTRANCE PLAZA
The double height gate way gives way to the academic as well as the administrative block.

 FOYER
It is a series of steps with seating at various levels from the entrance plaza giving an informal atmosphere
to the area. The foyer leads to the reception & also opens out of the sunken courtyard.

 ACADEMIC BLOCK
The academic blocks are connected through different system of circulation. Academic facilities have been
provided in the areas joint together in a form of cluster. (Lobby, lecture rooms, labs & toilets).

 LANDSCAPING:
 The institute gives a feeling of richly landscaped environment.
 Site boundary is lined with deciduous and evergreen trees.
 A series of high and low platform, soft and hard landscaping have been used in the
amphitheatre court.
 In surrounding areas of courtyard soft landscaping is done and is paved with cut outs for
basement lighting.

 ESSENTIALS OF THE INFORMAL SPACE:

 Suitable for physical/postural improvisation
 Shaded
 View- People watching-lookout point with less probability of being noticed
 Distanced from passer-by, undisturbed away from earshot
 Usually in a 4 feet diameter for interaction –steps
 The junction of two different spaces- edge. It can be a physical edge like the ‘cliff edge’
where there is a change of level. It can be a sun and shade edge. It can be a doorway.

CONCLUSION
 The idea was to create a relationship between the built & the unbuilt spaces.
 There are evidences of blend of traditional and contemporary architecture.
 Aesthetics are cared for, sometimes at the stake of comfort if not function.
 The site is well-segregated into various zones w.r.t the functions.
 Circulation spaces are minimised to obtain efficiency in design.