An attempt to create a suitable learning environment for a creative institution has been a central consideration in this proposal for a new campus for the School of Planning & Architecture in Bhopal.

Since the campus lies on the outskirts of Bhopal it was planned to be self sufficient in terms of facilities. The site was characterized by topographic peculiarities produced by a history of mining and dumping soil creating natural water bodies and steep slopes in various parts.

Ground Floor Plan: Academic Zone
Ground Floor Plan: Academic Zone: (A) P.G. Planning, (b) P.G. Architecture, (c) Future Expansion, (d) PhD, (e) U.G. Architecture, (f) U.G. Planning, (g) Administration Zone (administration, library, computer centre, consultancy), and (h) faculty block © DCOOP Architects

In the proposed design each zone has been designed to give it a unique sense of place within the campus. The internal organization of zones was determined by the logic of circulation and movement of water. Within the zone itself, each building has a specific identity due to its particular location and relation to the landscape. In the Academic zone for example, each department has its own courtyard. Although blocks making up the academic buildings are modular in nature; their organization and orientation results in clusters which have a clear identity of their own. There is in this way a unity of form without loss of sense of identity

"Programmatic Distribution": Academic Zone
"Programmatic Distribution": Academic Zone © DCOOP Architects
Short Section through the Spine  in the Academic Block
Short Section through the Spine in the Academic Block © DCOOP Architects
Academic Zone
Academic Zone: Showing a circulation spine with a "pivotal circular building" containing administrative facilities, and each faculty/department building with its individual courtyard. © DCOOP Architects
Long Section through the Spine in the Academic Block
Long Section through the Spine in the Academic Block © DCOOP Architects
"Academic Space"
"Academic Space" © DCOOP Architects

The formal and organizational principles were generated from a deep understanding of the program while a response to topography and the physical features of the site like the dumped soil informed the location and orientation of buildings.