all-red student housing in india resembles rocky cliffs and shaded valleys

dublin-based practice mccullough mulvin architects has completed a striking residential building for 1,200 students — the first phase of a 250 acre masterplan for a university in northern india. the project will also include an additional phase of student residences, a sports complex, and a new learning center incorporating a library, lecture theaters, and a computer science building.

UPDATE: this project was shortlisted in the ‘higher education and research – completed buildings’ category at the 2018 world architecture festival.

all images © christian richters

developed alongside design plus associates (DPA), mccullough mulvin architects’ design for thapar university comprises L-shaped towers that provide an architecture of solid geometric forms. the four completed units are clad with red screens that match the sandstone native to the region. together, the towers make their own geometry, facing different directions within a rectangular field of play.

the building provides 1,200 students with accommodation

the towers are linked by a steel and concrete podium which shields the reception, gym, and dining spaces below. a large staircase leads from the ground at either end and a series of walkways offer students and staff the opportunity to progress through the campus in a new way — protected from the weather with a covered walkway.

the project is the first phase of a 250 acre masterplan for thapar university

mccullough mulvin’s approach was to consider the whole campus as a landscape, and to make a new natural geography out of the buildings. this results in built forms that evoke rocky cliffs and shaded valleys. the provision of cooling and shade through floating podiums, covered walkways, and walled gardens are key sustainable elements of the design and are a reference to indian models of architecture.

the L-shaped towers provide an architecture of solid geometric forms

the first phase of student accommodation has been shortlisted in the ‘completed buildings, higher education’ category of world architecture festival 2018, which will take place in november in amsterdam. the second phase of the development will wrap up in 2019 with the masterplan to fully complete in 2020.

the four completed units are clad with red screens

the color used matches the sandstone native to the region

a series of walkways offers students and staff a variety of ways to progress through the campus

the towers are linked by a steel and concrete podium

the second phase of the project will wrap up in 2019 with the masterplan fully complete in 2020

the entire campus has been conceived as a landcape

the built forms evoke rocky heights and shaded valleys

the project has been shortlisted for the world architecture festival 2018 awards

project info:

architects: mccullough mulvin with design plus associates, delhi
QS: vinod markanda, delhi
contractor: gannon dunkerley & co. ltd.
client: thapar university, patiala, punjab, india
interiors: contractor – A. N. J., mumbai
structural engineer: pristine solutions, delhi
M&E engineer: aeon integrated building design consultants
fire engineer: N/A
landscape architect: integral landscape, delhi
façade consultant: k. r. sureish, axis façade consulting, mumbai