McCullough Mulvin Architects: Proposed Plan for University campus extension in Patiala, India

“A great location, fresh air, vegetation and silence”- all exemplify a potential site in relation to the development program, at Patiala where the preference of its space is a man- made one; bounded by folded walls and forests.

The fertile lands of Punjab gave a holistic approach to the design concept where the architecture of a grand new-fangled university grounds is to deem the entire campus as a landscape and to design the unpretentious with style and respect for the place and existing construction. Creating a strong visual link, making the structures look like one house as it was originally intended, whereby rather than remaining as a detached space, the design caters and maximises the circulation of the overall campus route with simultaneously inducing and expanding nature to form rocky heights and dappled valleys.

Planned over an area of 90,000 sq m, the new scheme is made to support the above concept where the plan consists of two core building groups: the Learning Centre (approx. 60, 000 sq m) and the Student Accommodation (approx. 30,000sqm) at the other end. The building modules are deliberately located to serve the activities at the campus site with entrances serving the two dramatic poles of bustle. Walkways that are beautifully crafted by several sheltered and planted garden spaces, proffers an astounding opportunity for the students and staff to splurge in the university campus in a fundamentally new way. With inducing landscapes in the new and existing design being a focal point; fetching in virtual contact with nature the proposal has also served and screened the premises from the extremes of weather. Whether the exquisite roof gardens of each building within the Learning Centre, or the rose gardens of the women students' accommodation all extend up the garden concept to be involved with the major design and is therefore both a challenge and a fantastic panorama to chip in to its future.

With an ambition to imbue the relationship between the existing and proposed with a palette of these contradictions and harmonies both main building units have a strappingly pioneering architectural charisma, an immersive familiarity that matches visitors interest and altogether endows with numerous vistas within a developed section that can bring in a wide assortment of sensual and serviceable experiences.

The Learning Centre adjoins multiple elements correlated by a podium that serves sheltering amenities at ground level, comprising a Library, Computer Building and Lecture Block – that on the whole widens and upholds interdisciplinary research spaces. The objective here was to enhance circulation between the old and new parts of the university, but also to allow activities to blend in into the next in order to create a flow of space and develop an apt place for exchange of information and ideas. The three major modules have been conceptualized to be red stone–clad buildings; forming a comprehensive composite sculptural group of red stone volumes discernible from across the campus. The architects have considered this grouping to be the first image on arrival to Patiala and to 'represent' the University, ensuring a sympathetic approach to the elements to be maintained throughout the expansion.

Tasked with creating a main student accommodation at the university, the module shall consists of a total seven 'L' shaped towers rising from the ground to provide 2000 student rooms and several common room areas of visual leisure and scrutiny. The design is seen exploring the interiors to create more light and visibility; and create rooms that face different directions of the campus. All the rooms are linked by the podium which shields reception, gym and dining spaces below with diverse interior planning classifying many bedrooms with screened balconies and common rooms being interlinked with double height spaces to casually link student groups.

A hidden courtyard garden of regular geometries is framed between the wings. Having open dining, gym and reception facilities in a clear day lit band, the courtyard showcases bedrooms and common rooms heaped above the amenities, including screened facades concealed in front layers of render. A detached building in a garden landscape providing accommodation for 500 Women students' indulges in strapping up the existing three blocks of accommodation and developing a sound overall plan for the four within a scented garden echoing Mughal traditions.