3.2 MEANING MAKING/’NEARNESS’ OLD IIM One enters the IIM campus from the busy two-lane road of the city, into the large green area that is calm and disconnected with the city traffic and chaos. The pathway created by the linear vegetation on either side suggests the movement towards the main school building. The chirping of the birds and trees swinging in the wind creates a pleasant atmosphere and slows down the pace of the experiencer to make the journey further into the campus. Passing among the trees, at the end of the pathway the experiencer faces the huge, massive brick walls rising like a fortress wall. An opulent staircase between the two perpendicular brick walls creating concave welcomes the experiencer into the school building expressing the power and discipline, forging an only choice of entry and directing towards climbing up the staircase with a backdrop of the brick facade. As one climbs the staircase, the small openings become visible on a massive brick wall. Coming from the vast open area and ascending the massive staircase, the experiencer enters into a cosy low-ceilinged volume that is filled with soft light. While inhabiting the cosy volume, the experiencer takes a glance into the famous Louis Kahn Plaza.
Case study : IIMA
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