foster + partners to masterplan sustainable state capital in india

foster + partners has released more information about its masterplan for amaravati, the new administrative capital of the indian state of andhra pradesh. the international firm is designing the central focus of the 217-square-kilometre site, including two key structures –the legislature assembly and high court complex — as well as several secretariat buildings. on a recent visit to india, lord foster met with state officials to oversee the next stage of the project.

all images courtesy of foster + partners

amaravati, which was born following the redefinition of india’s state boundaries, is strategically situated on the banks of the river krishna — allowing it to benefit from an abundant supply of fresh water. measuring 5.5 kilometers x 1 kilometer, the foster + partners-designed governmental complex occupies the heart of the city, and is defined by a strong urban grid. the transportation strategy includes electric vehicles, water taxis, and dedicated cycle routes, while shaded streets and squares encourage walking.

the legislative assembly building has been designed as a void

‘we are delighted to be working with the chief minister and the government of andhra pradesh to help them realize their vision of the people’s capital and team to build a clear and inspiring vision for the governmental complex at amaravati,’ says norman foster. ‘the design brings together our decades-long research into sustainable cities, incorporating the latest technologies that are currently being developed in india.’

the high court complex is located off the central axis

described as a democratic and cultural symbol for the people of andhra pradesh, the legislative assembly building sits within a large freshwater lake, and is framed by the secretariat and cultural buildings. the building has been designed as a void, serving as a gathering space for the public and their elected representatives. a spiraling ramp leads upwards to a cultural museum and a viewing gallery. the entire building is sheltered beneath a 250-meter-high conical roof that both provides shade and allows for cooling breezes.

the stepped roof form is inspired by india’s ancient stupas

the high court complex, meanwhile, is located off the central axis, with a stepped roof form inspired by india’s ancient stupas — dome-shaped structures erected as buddhist shrines. influenced by the traditional temple arrangement, the building’s plan is formed of alternating concentric layers of rooms and circulation spaces. the structure also has a courtyard and a roof garden, which allows greenery to penetrate the building’s interior spaces.

photovoltaic panels are incorporated into the design

the project is connected by a central green spine