Built by numerous award-winning and internationally acclaimed firm, Hitkarni University is situated on 3.45 acres of irregularly shaped land with a building footprint of 37,512 square feet in Jabalpur, India, in a hot and dry environment in an urbanized area. A huge playground and a well-kept space are also part of the design on the northern side. The climate is taken into account in each space’s design, and sustainability is effectively included. This philosophy is reflected in the considerable effort done by the firm at Hitkarni University, with state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure created to support various academic disciplines and encourage collaborative learning experiences.

Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheet1
View of the Hitkarni University_©The Plan
Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheet2
Location Map & Site Information_©The Plan
Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheet3
West View of the campus_©SanjayPuriArchitects

The Man Behind the Design & the Firm

Indian architect Sanjay Puri is renowned for his cutting-edge and modern creations. One of India’s top firm for parametric design is Sanjay Puri Architects. The 1992-founded company has won numerous international prizes, received widespread recognition, and received work from all around the world. Their guiding principle is to create innovative design solutions that are appropriate for the environment, promote sustainability, and transform the tourist experience. The practice places high importance on innovation and engineering, and they hold that each site dictates what should be done with it. The Hitkarni University in Jabalpur is one of their noteworthy ongoing projects.

Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheetv4
Principal Architect Sanjay Puri_©Azure Magazine

Design feature, Concept & Philosophy

The design of the Hitkarni University, which is in a hot, dry area of Jabalpur, tries to reduce heat gain by placing all classrooms and facilities to the north. To create wind tunnels and do away with the necessity for air conditioning, individual blocks branch off a curvilinear spine accented by open areas. Internal spaces are naturally lit throughout the day, which reduces the need for artificial lighting. Built sustainably and with consideration for the local context, the structure is cost-effective.

Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheet5
Conceptual Sketch Plan of the campus_©The Plan

The building’s length is covered by a single curving main spine, with branches extending to several blocks housing educational areas. Students can experiment with various interactive environments in large open areas that are protected from harsh weather.

Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheet6
Conceptual Sketch (Elevation)_©The Plan
Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheet7
Conceptual Sketch_©The Plan

The design keeps the constructed areas on the south side of the property while creating a sizable playground on the north side. This sizable academic facility is divided into several built spaces mixed with protected, open spaces that have been planted. As a result, a lot of covered outdoor areas are made available for pupils to engage with nature.

Planning of Spaces

The 33-acre university project is being developed by SEED in collaboration with Sanjay Puri Architects.  The project has 

  • 48 Regular Classrooms with a capacity of 60, 
  • 8 Large Classrooms with a capacity of 80,
  • 6 Seminar Halls with a capacity of 150,
  • 4 Dean Offices, 
  • 4 Departmental Offices, 
  • An Entrance Hall and,
  • A library
Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheet8
Design Development_©The Plan
Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheet9
Developmental Section of the Building_©The Plan

Style of Architecture

Using materials like glass, steel, bricks, and concrete, the architectural style is characterised by strong geometric forms, straight lines, and curves. While incorporating contemporary technology and environmental practices, it combines aspects of Indian culture and heritage into its designs. The design contributes to the global architectural discourse while fitting in with the local environment.

Due to the location of the educational buildings in hot and arid climates, passive techniques are used, focusing on utilizing natural elements and design strategies to minimize energy consumption and create comfortable indoor and outdoor environments without heavily relying on mechanical cooling systems.

Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheet10
Aerial View of the campus 3D-model_©The Plan

Climate-Responsive Design 

The Hitkarni University, which was built contextually and with the climate in mind, satisfies the client’s request for an affordable building and a sustainable solution at the same time.

All classrooms and other facilities are north-oriented, minimizing heat gain and providing indirect northern light to the interior spaces. This is due to the region’s hot, arid climate, which has temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius for 8 months out of the year while the sun is in the southern hemisphere.

Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheet11
Sustainability Factors_©The Plan
Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheet12
Site Analysis _©The Plan

Large apertures on the northern side and towering ventilators on the southern side provide total cross-ventilation in each room. Cross ventilation is also used in the circulation spaces. The layout’s inclusion of beautifully planted courtyards makes it possible to create wind tunnels, which increase airflow inside the structure. The project’s red brick screens are also a climate adaptation designed to minimize heat input.

Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheet13
Light and air ventilation in internal corridors _©SanjayPuriArchitects

The entire academic institute will be naturally ventilated throughout the year without the use of air conditioning, making the structure energy efficient and lowering its carbon impact. Internal spaces will be filled with natural light throughout the day, which will reduce the demand for artificial lighting.

Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheet14
South View of the Camous _©SanjayPuriArchitects

Shaping Materials & Palette 

The fragmentation of the building spaces and the intermittent gardens provide a dynamic plan that continuously changes the perception of the spaces throughout the day and year. The built spaces will be constructed mostly using locally available brick combined with concrete. The project’s use of red brick and contextual adaptation to the local environment are echoes of traditional Indian architecture. Following regional aesthetics and architectural vernacular will aid the structure’s integration into the surrounding natural or built environment.

Hitkarni University, Jabalpur - Sheet15
Internal Courtyards with structure’s form_©The Plan

The look and aesthetic appeal of the Hitkarni University is greatly influenced by the combination of red brick and gray concrete. The color scheme contributes to the overall architectural intent and can either make a building stand out or fit in seamlessly with its surroundings. It is a warm and earthy tone with a sleek and modern shade. It highlights the material expression and gives the building’s façade depth and aesthetic intrigue. In addition, a deeper feeling of identification, cultural values that are reinforced, and respect for the history of the area.

Understanding line and curves with the space_©SanjayPuriArchitects

In this constantly changing environment, design also advances and incorporates new technologies. The firm aims to develop its own brand identity and design principles for all types of projects. The Jabalpur-based project is renowned for its contextual designs, concentration on low-tech sustainable solutions, the pursuit of an architecture that stimulates social contact, and all these attributes. It is ideal for you and greatly advantageous for the company to have someone who shares their ideals and practices on their team.

References

Pagliacolo, E. (2023) Top 10 to see: Milan Design Week 2023, Azure Magazine. Available at: https://www.azuremagazine.com/article/top-10-to-see-milan-design-week-2023/ (Accessed: 21 June 2023).

HITKARNI UNIVERSITY, JABALPUR (no date) Sanjay Puri Architects. Available at: https://sanjaypuriarchitects.com/architecture/education/hitkarni-university-jabalpur/ (Accessed: 22 June 2023).

Hitkarni University (no date) Seed Engineering. Available at: https://www.seedengineering.com/projects/hitkarni-university/ (Accessed: 23 June 2023).

Architects, S.P. (2018) Hitkarni University: The plan, Sanjay Puri Architects. Available at: https://www.theplan.it/eng/award-2018-education/hitkarni-university–1 (Accessed: 23 June 2023).

Author

Aishwary is a talented and ambitious student with a knack for writing captivating articles. He committed to developing architecture that enhances the built environment and improves people's lives. With a natural curiosity and a dedication to continuous learning, he is eager to contribute valuable insights and fresh perspectives through his writing.