RIT - CAMPUS CENTER

Rajalakshmi Institute of Technology

CAMPUS HEART

FOREWORD

We had initially contacted WITH-IN architects to provide our students with a unique cafeteria, where they could enjoy a cup of coffee or catch up with each other in between classes; but it has morphed into so much more. From a modern cafeteria, it now has evolved into a unique structure, and I am not just talking about the shape.

The Campus Centre is set to house a mini amphitheater, a conference hall, fitness centre and of course, the cafeteria, among other facilities. The credit goes to WITH-IN team for their vision of more than just a cafĂŠ and for pushing the boundaries of architecture. My hope is that our effort results in an exciting space that brings our students together for both work and play.

Dr. Haree Shankar Meganathan, Vice-Chairman, Rajalakshmi Institute of Technology.

CLIENT - Rajalakshmi Institute of Technology LOCATION - Chembarambakkam, Chennai TYPLOGY - Institution TOTAL SITE AREA - 54,250 sqm.

PROJECT SITE AREA - 2150 sqm ARCHITECT - With-In Associates YEAR - 2019

Project BRIEF

Situated in the outskirts of Chennai, The Rajalakshmi Institute of Technology (RIT) campus site sits in the near Chembarambakkam water shed area. The site is linear in nature with academic buildings randomly oriented along a central axis.

A linear road running from the Main access to the Northern end which terminates into a dilapidated shed, due to the nature of the profile and the existing blocks placement, only half of the site is actively used. The management came up with a brief for uplifting the existing infrastructure of the dilapidated shed and also activation of the other half of the site.

8

6

5 3 7

4 3

3

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Entry Admin Academic block Workshop Electrical lab Canteen Cafeteria Project Site

2

1

N

SITE IMAGE 1 Unlike many campuses found in the vicinity, the existing site has the treasure of lush green trees.

SITE IMAGE 2 The Site is linear running from North to South with a linear road running from the Main access to the Northern end which terminates into a dilapidated shed.

Site FEATURES

RIT campus spans in an area of roughly 13 acres and is oriented along NS axis. The site is surrounded by light industries on the southern part and watershed areas towards the Northern and Eastern parts. The linear nature, with lush green and surrounding water shed areas offers seamless flow of wind towards the site. The site provides enough of developable land to decant existing spaces, and create a more coherent master plan.

ReBRANDING

Rajalakshmi Institute of Technology (RIT) campus is an upcoming education center with the aim of providing better expertise in the fields of engineering technologies such as robotics and business management.

The campus center design is an opportunity to create a new brand, a symbol of identity & new image-ability to the campus.

TRADITIONAL SYMBOLISM

CONTEMPORARY IDENTITY

A Symbol that gives identity to the campus and a demonstration of technical excellence.

A Brand that builds on innovation, knowledge and collaboration.

Design WORKSHOP

STUDENT’S JUNIOR GRADE

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

CONTEXT ARCHITECT TEAM

TEACHING STAFF

IN-HOUSE STAFF

STAKEHOLDERS

CAPACITY

CONNECTIVITY ARCHITECT TEAM

ARCHITECT TEAM

B

P

COMMUNITY & CULTURE CLIMATE

The thought process is essential to the creation and refinement of a plan, or integration of it with other plans – that is, it combines forecasting of developments with preparation of scenarios of how to react to them.As part of the process, the design is dealt by keeping the end user in mind.

Therefore, planning and design at the campus scale requires thought process as different people – part visionary and part sociologist, part Wartist and engineer, part economist and politician.

S

BUILT FORM

PROGRAM

STRUCTURE

TECTONIC

15

GYM

SUSTAINABLE

14

CULTURAL STUDIO

MIXED USE

13

TOILETTE & LOCKERS

ACCESSIBLE

12

CARROM & CHESS

MULTI LEVEL ACCESS

11

TABLE TENNIS

10

SQUASH COURT

9

PLUG AND PLAY FACILITIES

8

READING SPOTS

7

MULTIPURPOSE HALL

6

KITCHEN

TRAIN PLAY LEARN NOURISH GATHER ENGINEERED

5

CANTEEN

LOW COST

4

CAFETERIA

DISPERSED

3

PLAZA

TALL

2

RAISED STAGE

UNCONVENTIONAL

1

OPEN AIR THEATRE

11

13 10 12 15 14 9 6 8

5

4

7 3

1

2

Development PLAN

Campus planning outlines the long-term direction of a higher education institution’s physical and built environment. It ensures the highest and best use of land to meet an institution’s academic, research, and outreach missions.

Colleges and universities are complex and constantly evolving their teaching, research, and community activities. This pressures campus systems to meet the needs of today with flexibility to address the unknown needs of the future.

A campus plan should: • Maximize use of critical resources • Incorporate smart growth planning principles • Enhance safety and wellness

The overall development in the campus is linear in nature. The focal axis will remain along the central spine. The link between academic blocks to be established. The Campus Centre to be designed will bind the leisure, canteen and congregation zones.

The student strength and projected development in the campus makes it ideal for an overall study for optimization. The capacity calculation enables in Phasing of Master plan process that results in optimal use of land and flexibility.

The first piece of the puzzle, the key move would be create “Tectonic roof ‘and ‘Techno edge’ canteen - a place to eat under it.

The next opportunity is to complete the roof which becomes the new epicentre of the entire RIT campus.

Add social life and culture to the space under the roof. The roof with all amenities rightly mixed would become the “one stop student centre.”

With culture, sports, learning and leisure under one space, we have created the new gravitational centre for the entire campus. Design integration with landscape elements will make the centre holistic.

Provide some of the central facilities like makers yard (robotics, 3d printing), digital library under the Techno roof – Celebrate the roof as the highlight and identity of the campus.

Design PRINCIPLES

Successful campus planning and design hinges on the context and culture upon which the existing campus was built – the current layout not only speaks to history and heritage, but also provides the design team with a framework for future growth.

Every student, employee, alumnus, visitor, and neighbor has ideas to improve the physical campus. The process needs to be inclusive, integrated, and interactive.

The campus planning process includes: • Identifying stakeholders • Leveraging conversations with multiple users.

• Building consensus through common understanding • Balancing opportunities, constraints, and competing demands to identify the best use of campus resources • Outlining a flexible framework for physical development

CONTEXT The buildings and structures that make up the built environment do not exist in isolation but are conceived and designed in order to respond to, support and enhance their surroundings.

By embedding the intentions of a design within the essence of its surroundings, a connection linking new and old can be made, creating or maintaining a metaphysical ‘place’.

CAPACITY The capacity calculation enables in Phasing of Master plan process that results in optimal use of land and flexibility. It ensures future adaptability in new or refurbished spaces.

CONNECTIVITY The connectivity system of the space plays an important role in integrating the different functional spaces of the master plan.

The connectivity route improves ‘legibility’ to which the designed features of the environment aid people in creating an effective mental image, or “cognitive map” of the spatial relationships within a building, and the subsequent ease of way finding within the environment.

CLIMATE Community design has been defined, in the broadest sense, as a movement for discovering how to make it possible for people to be involved in shaping and managing their environment.

COMMUNITY & CULTURE Community design has been defined, in the broadest sense, as a movement for discovering how to make it possible for people to be involved in shaping and managing their environment.

The CAMPUS HEART

The need of the client is to create a canteen like an open food court under the roof.

This led to the thought of providing new breathing place for students to eat, sit around, chat, and gather. This would be the crucial quick win to attract students, and generate space.

Including student co-curricular activities spaces with new indoor sports under the new roof and adding a convenience store with photocopy and print shop will complete the requirements of the students’ need.

The “CAMPUS HEART” is a mix of various activities which provides various opportunities to be explored in the design.

The “CAMPUS HEART” will house the most needed common spaces for the Campus, its students and faculties.

The “CAMPUS HEART” will be an iconic structure, a beacon of identity for the campus

LEISURE GREENS CAMPUS HEART STUDENTS’ SQUARE KNOWLEDGE YARD ACADEMIC GREENS

Masterplan CONCEPT

The existing site is lined with administrative and institutional buildings in the front opening up to a vacant site in the rear.

Creating one sense of place by converging all focal axis in the campus.

To establish the link between the academic buildings and the site, a campus centre is proposed as the heart of the site.

The “CAMPUS HEART� will pull users towards it and surrounding places making a vibrant campus atmosphere.

Final VISION ‘Create synergies between the newly built innovation extension of academic block, and the knowledge hub under the roof’

The CAMPUS HEART is a mix of various activities which provides various opportunities to be explored in the design. With culture, sports, learning and leisure under one space, we have created the new gravitational centre for the entire campus.

The pathways establishing connections in the site will be more accessible and visible.

Adding the landscape elements will make the centre complete.

Create the lawn in front will make it the foreground of all the vibrancy under the roof. This would create the informal gathering grounds for large audience. Identifying landscape sweet spots and providing seating, and space for informal gathering is Crucial for Campus well being.

The Amphitheatre and the multipurpose stage creates the frontage – the iconic visibility for the entire CAMPUS HEART. With potential expansion towards the west in future, Spill over spaces on either sides of the site will establish a connectivity to the site.

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

Building Concept INSPIRATIONS

The building blocks are inspired from the dynamic shape of Kalo Dungar (Black hill) at Rajasthan.

The building blocks are fragmented according the area requirements of each space.

The spatial transformation of the blocks is along with the circulation pathway and the built forms morphs its volume according to it. The permeability is brought into design with strategically placed access points as NODES and the orientation of blocks towards it.

Roof Concept INSPIRATIONS

The concept for the roof structure is inspired from mountain peaks and megalithic structures.

The Roof from is evolved as an undulating surface cantilevered at the ends.

In Bedouin and modern tent structures, the roof protects the space from the extreme weather conditions.

The tectonic roof acts as a canopy for the ‘CAMPUS HEART’. The alternative undulations emphasise the entry points and creates an iconic structure.

It as climate responsive structure providing shade from extreme weather. Permeability is incorporated into the design by the open space between the roof and built forms.

Conceptual sketch

The Campus Centre designed binds the leisure, canteen and congregation zones. The circulation path with accessible nodes improves ‘Legibility’. The spill over spaces on either sides creates a visual link between the structure and the site. The Roof becomes the new epicentre of the entire RIT campus and creates sense of place.

The 8 spatial layers of ‘CAMPUS HEART’ includes:

1

ROOF - An undulating pattern of triangular surfaces that acts as the canopy to the buildings and open food court.

2

STRUCTURE - Steel columns on 1.8m deep foundations, Beams as ridges and valleys and purlins to support the steel roof above.

3

TERRACE - A semi-open layer above the buildings for students to gather, eat, interact and play that are connected bu steel link bridges.

4

ENVELOPE - The concrete enclosure of built spaces with ample windows for ventilation and openings to serve the students.

5

ACTIVITY - Built spaces for students to gather and learn, train and play. It also includes Kitchen that caters for students.

6

OPEN SPACE - The extended plinth that merges with the site acts as a spillover space

7

PATHWAY - The Permeable path with accessible nodes that defines the spatial relationship between the building with the site and improves ‘Legibility’.

8

SITE - The plinth base of the Campus heart is designed without disturbing the natural terrain and existing landscape of the site.

SPATIAL LAYERS

Campus Heart SECTIONAL LAYERS

1

2

3

The sections below depicts various zones of the campus heart where students gather and meet to eat, study, play and interact. The design of buildings and exterior spaces encourages human interaction and fosters a sense of shared community.

4

5

6

Program MIX Site Area 2175 sq.m

Roof Area 975 sq.m

Canteen 580 sq.m

Multipurpose hall 65 sq.m Kitchen 60 sq.m Toilet 55 sq.m Squash court 85 sq.m Gymnasium 25 sq.m

Plinth area 1200 sq.m

OAT and Stage 120 sq.m Outdoor area 705 sq.m

Spill-over 375 sq.m

The programs are mainly categorised as Roof area ( Built spaces) and the plinth area ( Gathering spaces ).

The Roof area includes enclosed spaces such as Multipurpose hall, Kitchen, Gymnasium, Squash court, Toilet, Stationery shop and a semi open Canteen catering for 300 students.

The plinth area includes Amphi theater and front stage where 1000 students can gather for events and Spill over area for 200 students in the western and eastern sides.

PEN FILES PHOTOCOPY PENCIL FOLDERS

NOTES MAGAZINE

STATIONERY

BATH

FILES

STORE

BOOK

WASH JANITOR

STENCIL

FILES XEROX SHORT LINE PEN PAPER REFREE GAME

PRINT COLOR

CHANGE MEN

SHOWER WOMEN

SQUASH SERVE DOUBLES COURT RACKET

SINGLES

EVENT AUDIENCE

APPROACH

COUNTER

TRAIN BODY AEROBICS MIND

GYM

BACK WALL OPPONENT INTERNATIONAL SCORING

NOURISH

ACTIVITY

NUTRITION

EAT

RACKET

FITNESS

SIDE WALL

YOGA

DOUBLE HIT BEVERAGES GALLERY

MEET SNACKS COFFEE TEA

SNACKS

MEALS

TEA PLATES NOURISH

WASH AREA

STORAGE

EATCOOKING

FOOD

AUDIENCE

EVENT FOOD NUTRITION SERVE

STRENGTH

COUNTER DROP

APPROACH CANTEEN

WEIGHTS

EXERCISE

PLAY INDOOR SPORTS

SERVICE BOX APPEAL

GATHER FOOD

SERVE STUDY

TOILET & LOCKERS

POINTS BOARD BALL SCORE TEAM

KITCHEN

SERVICE ENTRY MEALS UTENSILS COUNTER

CHAT NUTRITION SNACKS CAFE

NOURISH

COUNTER EAT STUDY COFFEE APPROACH

JUICE CHAT ITEMS

GATHER MEET

CANTEEN

BEVERAGES

BEVERAGES

AUDIENCE

COOK

APPROACH

PANTRY

EAT

APPROACH NOURISH

CANTEEN FOOD

PLAY GATHER

MUSIC MEET FUN

STUDENTS

TALK PLAY EVENTS MUSIC

MOVIE SCREENINGS

FUN AUDIENCE AMPHI THEATRE PERFORMING ARTS

APPROACH GATHER MEET

GATHER

UTENSILS FOOD WASH

EVENTS

SERVE

MUSIC

GUEST AREA

EVENTS

PLAY

STUDENTS

MULTI PURPOSE HALL

CONFERENCE ROOM

EVENTS

PRESENTATION LECTURE HALL

FUN TALK

STUDENTS

MEET

APPROACH

FUN

WORKSHOP

GATHER

BOARD MEETINGS

ADMIN

STAGE

FUN

TALK

AWARDS GATHER AUDIENCE MOVIE EVENTS SCREENINGS PERFORMING ARTS

TALK PLAY

MUSIC

APPROACH AUDIENCE

STUDENTS GATHER GUEST ENTRY

Ground Floor Plan

1. Amphitheatre 2. Stage 3. Multipurpose hall 4. Pantry 5. Aavin Parlour 6. Kitchen 7. Gymnasium 8. Men’s Toilet 9. Women’s toilet 10. Squash court 11. Viewing gallery 12. Students’ Stationery

12

9

10

8

11

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

N

Terrace Floor Plan

1. Steel staircase 2. Steel link bridge 3. Terrace cafe 4. Indoor sports - Chess & Carrom 5. Indoor sports - Table tennis

5

4 2 3

1

3

2

3

N

LONGITUDINAL SECTION

One heart many places

The “Campus heart� will be an iconic structure, a beacon of identity for the campus.

It will house the most needed common spaces for the campus, its students and faculties.

SECTION THROUGH KITCHEN BLOCK

SECTION THROUGH SQUASH COURT

Campus Heart CONCEPT (Built forms) 1

2

3

The CAMPUS HEART connects the academic blocks, hostel, sports fields and the canteen.

The derived program layer is linked with the pathway and the built spaces are fragmented.

The permeability is brought into design with strategically placed access points as NODES and the orientation of blocks towards it.

4

5

6

The built forms morphs its volume according to the circulation pathway.

Passive cooling by Venturi Effect is achieved by the orientation of the buildings in relation to the predominant wind directiion.

The plinth is designed as extended spaces that connects to the site.

Campus Heart BUILDING ITERATIONS

The derivation of final built form includes a set of iterations throughout the design process. The building blocks are fragmented according the area requirements. The final design is derived from the spatial transormation of the blocks with the circulation pathway.

The principles of shape grammars were incorporated in the design to achieve area optimisation. The spatial transformations principles like rotating, shifting and pinching have been continuously applied through the iterations of design evolution.

CAMPUS HEART CONCEPT (Roof forms) 1

2

3

A flat roof surface is extruded as a canopy for the plinth surface below.

Fragmentation of the roof surface into four parts.

Dividing the fragmented part into triangular surfaces and a comman central point

4

5

6

Pulling the centre points of each umbrella to constant height i.e, 9m.

Varying the heights along the periphery to create emphasis on entry and shade.

An undulating roof surface is created with cantilevered ends in the north and south.

CAMPUS HEART Roof Iterations

The tectonic roof acts as a canopy for the ‘CAMPUS HEART’. The alternative undulations emphasise the entry points and creates shade for the built spaces below. Permeability is incorporated into the design by the open space between the roof and built forms.

The design initially started as an asymmetrical roof of area 1680 sqm which was aligned in North-South axis. Eventually, the roof area was reduced to 1000 sqm on the basis of design requirements and the orientation changed to the northeastern side in the final design.

Campus Heart BUILDING ELEVATIONS The elevations are composed of undulating parapet and scattered openings.

The position of window openings is provided based on the privacy of the interior layout. Various types of openings, such as fixed, top hung and louvers, are provided with frosted and tinted glass according to the requirement.

The TECHNIC ALITIES

The ROOF becomes the new epicentre of the entire RIT campus.

The main aim is to establish the Roof as a symbol of modern learning, futuristic education, inspirational tool for students, and brand building for future prospects.

The roof creates sense of place. It creates a symbol, a notion students can identify with and becomes part of their routine to be used as the common space.

The roof with all amenities rightly mixed would become the “ONE STOP STUDENT CENTRE�

Climatic DESIGN

The shorter width of the building along the East - West axis allows cross ventilation.

The overhangs along the roof periphery regulates solar access and reduces heat gain.

It lowers the internal temperature and improves the comfort of the occupants.

SUN The orientation of the CAMPUS HEART along North-South Axis provides shading for the spillover and gathering areas during summer.

WIND The predominant wind direction is from southwest to Northeast and during the months of November to february, it is Northeast to southwest. The tectonic roof and built spaces are aligned to enable cross ventilation.

WATER The slope where the two umbrellas converge acts as the gutter for the tectonic roof. The approximate rain water run off is 100,000 litres per year.

Structural design The tectonic roof is divided as 4 Umbrellas with cantilevering ends at Northern and southern side. The points of the tectonic roof are at heights of 4.5m, 6m, 7.5m and 9m, although the height in the middle remains constant as 9m.

This forms triangular sloping surfaces in the roof that provides shade from the eastern sun and drains the water to the lowest points in the site beyond the plinth. The slope where two umbrellas converge will act as the gutter.

Each umbrella is supported by one central column in the middle and five to six ‘V’ columns in the periphery. The peripheral beams which runs along the boundary rests on the V columns whereas the inner beam rest on the cental column above the gusset plate with stiffeners.

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 1 - Prototype model for one umbrella FIGURE 2 - Physical model for the steel structure

The ‘V’ columns stand on 600mm dia pedestal over a stiffener plate. The foundation depth of the column pedestal is 1800mm.The peripheral beams and inner beams rest on the columns above a welded Gusset plate. Purlins of dimension 200 x 100mm runs along the slope of the roof over which lies the 50mm thick steel corrugated roof sheet.

VERTICAL MEMBERS

12 ‘V’ columns of 200mm dia were provided in the periphery and 3 straight steel columns of 200mm dia were provided in the center of each umbrella to support the tectonic roof.

HORIZONTAL MEMBERS

60 beams of dimension 300 x 200mm were welded on top of the columns over a gusset plate. Additional beams were also provided for spans longer than 9m.

Site picture showing Staircase from eye level

The steel staircase establishes the connection between the buildings at the terrace level. The terrace level has spaces for various events, such as cafĂŠs, study spots and indoor sports facilities.

Site IMAGES

VIEW OF THE STAGE FROM OAT (Under Construction)

FRONT VIEW (Under Construction)

CANTEEN VIEW FROM THE MAIN ENTRANCE (Under Construction)

VIEW FROM THE SERVICE ENTRY (Under Construction)

APPROACH FROM THE WESTERN SIDE (Under Construction)

VIEW OF CANTEEN AND CONNECTING BRIDGE (Under Construction)

APPROACH TO AMPHITHEATRE (Under Construction)

VIEW FROM THE TEMPLE (Under Construction)

FRONT VIEW (Under Construction)

WITH-IN We are an association of 3 architects who believe in the same ideals and principles for Architecture and Built environment. We have diverse experience across disciplines and typologies, making this collaboration a holistic design team.

Our practice distills a holistic detail design and processed approach in the delivery of highly creative and pragmatic architectural solutions that resonate conceptual rigor and material invention. A strong emphasis is placed on a critical synthesis of the opportunities and constraints of each site, context and client brief as a catalyst for uniquely appropriate design outcomes in response to place, landscape and patterns of use. We engage with clients who share in the reward of accomplishing bold visions to enrich their daily lives, who prioritize quality over quantity. We place value in achieving inventive and well designed spaces that are meticulously detailed and crafted with-in.

DEEPAK SANKARANARAYANAN Senior Lead Designer, AECOM, Singapore Principal Collaborator, WITH-IN Associates Deepak is a passionate architect, urban designer and master planner with professional experience of over 9 years in Singapore, India, and Germany which include residential, commercial, mixed use, industrial and hospitality projects.

PRASHANTH GANESH Principal Partner, WITH-IN Associates Senior Architect & Interior designer Prashanth Ganesh has 10 years of experience in Architectural practice, with previous work experience from Spacescape Architects, Chennai.

He applies a pragmatic approach to architecture, balancing aesthetics and functionality.

CIBI BALAKRISHNAN Principal Partner, WITH-IN Associates Guest faculty, Anna University Cibi believes that architecture bridges nature, culture and lifestyle. With 9 years of experience in both practice and teaching, he intends to merge the boundaries between academic research and building industry.

SOUNDHARYA SAMPATH Architect, WITH-IN Associates Soundharya graduated from MSAJAA, Chennai and is passionate about history, built environment and urban planning methods. She believes that teamwork and collaboration brings in diversity of ideas and expertise to the project.