Architectural Manifesto of Sustainability: The New Prestige University Campus in Indore

In the Indian city of Indore, a building has emerged that challenges traditional notions of educational spaces. The new building of Prestige University is not merely an administrative center, but a living socio-architectural experiment spreading across a 13-hectare campus.

Tradition in a Modern Interpretation: A 21st-Century Stepwell

Ancient Indian stepwells, with a history spanning over 1,100 years, served as the primary source of inspiration for the architects. Much like its historical prototypes, the university building fulfills a dual function: it is both a functional facility and a space for social interaction.

Key project features:

• Height: The peak point reaches 28 meters.
• Amphitheater Roof: The rooftop garden consists of 463 stepped platforms.
• Scale: The open rooftop area is capable of accommodating up to 9,000 students simultaneously.
• Sustainability: The building is designed with inclusivity in mind—a significant portion of the terraces is equipped with ramps for people with limited mobility.

Architecture as a Climate Shield

• Indore is known for its harsh climate: for 8 months of the year, temperatures here stay in the range of 30°C to 40°C. The “Prestige” project solves the overheating problem without total reliance on air conditioning systems.
• Natural Cooling and Light
• The internal structure is permeated with landscaped courtyards and a diagonal “internal street.” This provides:

• Cross-ventilation: A constant flow of fresh air through open courtyards.
• Soft lighting: Northern light penetrates deep into the rooms, minimizing the need for artificial electricity.
• Thermal regulation: The southern, eastern, and western facades are protected by special fiberglass screens that act as a ventilated barrier against the scorching sun.

Functional Zoning: Levels of Interaction

The internal space of 9,000 m² is distributed across levels in a way that maximizes the convenience of students and staff:

Building-Stage: A City in Miniature

Instead of erecting a monumental and closed “fortress of knowledge,” the architects created a building that gradually “grows” out of the ground, transforming into a giant multifunctional stage.

The landscape here doesn’t just surround the building; it penetrates the interior and rises to the roof. Each section of the building offers a unique visual experience, turning a walk through the university into an exploration. It is a space where the boundaries between functional zones and nature are blurred, fostering the free exchange of ideas and the creative growth of students.

Prestige University in Indore is a benchmark of how modern engineering can harmoniously coexist with centuries-old heritage, creating a sustainable environment for future generations of leaders.