Architectural lessons from Indian Institute of Management Bengaluru: BV Doshi's granite walls draped in lush greenery are a study in how to bring the outdoors in

IIM Bangalore academic block. The granite walls, draped in lush dense foliage, reflect light softly and alter the appearance of the main building as the day progresses. (Photo by Magentic Manifestations via Wikimedia Commons)

A testament to B.V. Doshi's unparalleled design expertise, the decade-old IIM Bangalore campus continues to embody an enduring design language and philosophy that serves as an unyielding source of inspiration and admiration. The campus provides a constantly revitalising experience, where the natural landscape, sunlight, and breeze are crucial elements that heavily influence the material selection and spatial design, resulting in a distinctive and impactful space. “It chooses to be a space that embraces seasons and lets the natural forces take over. Amidst the sweltering heat or intermittent rain of the city, the design of the columns, walls, and open/closed spaces is such that one may walk while being both exposed to the elements and sheltered, simultaneously. One learns to truly appreciate the thoughtful creation of spaces that allows for harmonious coexistence with nature,” says Aashita Chadha, co-founder and chief officer of culture & strategy at The KariGhars.

Although the space is crafted from early materials like stone, it exemplifies design elements that continue to inspire contemporary practices to learn and adopt. Architect Balkrishna Doshi's strategic placement of fenestrations that open to gardens reflects a deep appreciation for nature. The granite walls, draped in lush dense foliage, reflect light softly and alter the appearance of the main building as the day progresses. “All the windows designed on the top floors protrude outwards, while those on lower levels are recessed in a niche. Through the consistent use of materials in the same shade and with similar characteristics, the space exudes a unified tonality in appearance. The building also prioritizes moving through its interstitial spaces with frequent changes in scale and occasional disruptions to the form of the corridor. Furthermore, it integrates the landscape with the structure creating gentle, undefined edges,” says Chadda.

The IIM Bangalore campus design by BV Doshi effectively showcases the use of scale and proportion seamlessly, while also imparting essential design principles. The openings within the space offer numerous possibilities and serve as unconventional fenestration, with the potential to create a gaze point through either singular or multiple apertures. “The design also highlights the importance of utilizing existing site conditions or constraints as positive design triggers. For instance, the retention of natural terrain has resulted in an overall raw and organic aesthetic through the arrangement of building blocks. Finally, the campus is a prime example of barrier-free design, promoting easy navigation and visual and spatial connectivity from all sides,” says Chadda.

Bengaluru, celebrated for its thriving biophilic environment, is commonly known as the ‘Garden City’. The IIMB campus seamlessly blends in with the city's verdant atmosphere, effectively promoting and enhancing freshness, leisure, and discovery. It is approached as a gurukul space of learning amidst lush greenery. “The city is also well-known for its traditionality, exemplified by spaces of strong ritualistic worship. The transitional space leading to the prime spot is a transformative space that holds a lot of spatial changes in materiality and experiences. The campus embodies these values by making the connecting spaces versatile and exclusive in subtle ways, creating a serene experience of the city in the educational institute,” says Chadda.

The institute embraces sustainability at every turn - be it eco-friendly materials or recharge wells and solar panels peppered throughout the campus. It also demonstrates environmental sensitivity by reusing waste through compost pits and practicing rainwater harvesting. Moreover, sustainability also seems to have been ingrained in the educational curriculum, showcasing a dedication to sustainability on both macro and micro scales. “The IIMB campus building embodies Indian values in a tangible form, highlighting the significance of tactility as a fundamental element for every space. The design also presents a thought-provoking idea of a space that constantly evolves and has the potential for growth, serving as a generative design for the future. Ultimately, the IIMB campus building underscores the crucial notion that design is a harmonious blend of interior, exterior, environment, life, art, and architecture that coexist as a cohesive entity,” signs off Chadda.