MSAP
School of Architecture and Design 

Text description provided by the architects. MAHE's new architecture and design campus is built on dense, perimeter land of 3.9 acres with a vision to create interlocking and flexible spaces. The campus is set to accommodate 1,200 students in architecture, design, and fashion. Located in the coastal town of Manipal in Karnataka, the mother ship of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education Institutes. The city teems with a vibrant university life and students coming from different parts of the world. A subset of the existing facility that is firmly rooted in the existing system with a pioneering vision provided an example of an innovative and sensitive design philosophy. The design arose from the context of the strong topographical site. The site had a main slope of 18 meters towards the southeast side at a distance of only 100 metres, facing the valley. Working with a 10m x 10m grid, the masonry units were stepped back to obtain unobstructed views of the valley while also respecting the existing contours.

The design program is divided into four blocks laid out across the site. With wind direction being the important factor in the orientation of the blocks, they were planned to be placed around a central open space. Center Court has become a tiered informal forum that encourages an open space for interaction between faculty and students. Thus, a circulation around it is planned through winding staircases that connect terraces at different levels to capture panoramic views of the valley. The design studios planned at the highest level have been extended into a terraced courtyard/terrace. The stands functioned like interactive enclaves that were intentionally kept open to the sky. Visual communication from the corridor stairs formed a dynamic relief and visual access for peers, which eased the connection between the two.

The design brief is planned to have a symbolic entrance as a spatial continuum. The fluid form also served as undulating steps leading to the auditorium and administrative spaces. Inspiration was sought from the prominent ancient structure in the city.

The complexity of the structure has been broken down into several construction processes and synergies between RCC & ferrocement to achieve the complex, twisted shape of the inserts detection. The continuous rhythmic flowing brick waves of the facade gave a new identity to the campus. The delicate play of organic forms continues at the entrance to introduce a new dimension at the level of access.

The material palette is utilitarian with an emphasis on the upkeep aspect of the campus while also being true to its form. Building materials and cultural nuances have always been taken into account and have been subject to many interpretations.

As one moves through l spaces, a new experience unfolds with the relative harmony of forms associated with nature, encouraging a dialogue between the two.