University Roof Doubles as a Vast Open-Air Auditorium
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This university building in India is a visual marvel from every angle, particularly so when you look at the roof.
Designed for 3,000 students, Prestige University in the central India city of Indore, features a glorious five-story building that contains seminar halls, an auditorium, a library, offices, and a cafeteria.
Above this 92ft (28m) structure is a walkable roof comprised of 463 stepped platforms. These can each be used as social spaces for students and faculty to gather, whilst the entire roof can also serve as a massive open-air auditorium for up to 9,000 spectators. Spanning approximately 97,000-sq-ft, the terrace is stepped up diagonally with its numerous platforms interspersed with naturally lit landscaped courtyards.
The architects were inspired by India's ancient stepwells - such as Chand Baori, that extends approx. 30m (100ft) into the ground - which have been harvesting rainwater for 1,500 years. Many have have fallen into disrepair but some of these masterpieces of design are being returned to their former glory. Essentially, they are beautifully crafted inverted step pyramids dug straight into the ground, lined by symmetrical steps, in order to access water deep underground. Indian studio Sanjay Puri Architects has flipped this idea around to create the roof at Prestige University.
Images credit: Vinay Panjwani / Sanjay Puri Architects | Click to enlarge
Beyond the auditorium roof, the architects employed other clever features to keep the building cool in Indore's hot climate, as the stepped design reduces the amount of vertical circulation required to cool the building. A continuous diagonal indoor street that runs through the entire ground floor complements the shaded courtyards and allows for natural ventilation within the internal spaces. Plus, perforated screens envelop the eastern, western and southern elevations of the building to combat heat gain. There's also a shallow pool at the base of the main building that helps passively cool the interior.
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