Symbiosis Lavale Campus

Pune, India

Photo © _opolis architects

Architects: _OPOLIS

Year: 2002

A self sufficient campus for 3000 persons, sitting atop a hillside on the windward side of the deccan mountain range was the chief aim of this proposal. The project occupied one contour level and the campus was seen as a car free place where persons could roller blade or walk- everything was within a ten minute walking distance. The Visitor’s Center at the base of the hill was the transportation interchange after which only battery powered buses would ply and take students up to the campus. The residential “bars” were intertwined to interact and create spaces for living while the main study spaces were set under dramatic roof scapes, to mimic the mountain ranges beyond. The campus would have wind mills to harness the strong winds that blow in this region- particularly as they sweep up the hill slopes. The roads were lined wth farmlands, so that students could grow their own food and the campus could be self sufficient for its food, water and energy needs.