Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services

Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Exterior Photography, Brick, FacadeThapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Interior Photography, Kitchen, BeamThapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Exterior Photography, Stairs, ConcreteThapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Exterior Photography, Facade, BrickThapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - More Images+ 17

Patiala, India
  • Architect In Charge: McCullough Mulvin Architects, Designplus Associates Services
  • Quantity Surveyor: Vinod Markanda Delhi
  • Landscape Architects: Integral Landscape
  • Facade Consultants: KR Suresh, Axis Facades Mumbai
  • Contractors: Gannon Dunkerley & Company Limited, ANJ Mumbai
  • Civil: Pristine Solutions Delhi
  • Structural Engineer: Pristine Solutions Delhi
  • City: Patiala
  • Country: India
More SpecsLess Specs
Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Exterior Photography, Brick, Facade
© Christian Richters

Text description provided by the architects. The Learning Laboratory is a new type of meeting space, an engine for education, a city for students, a destination for conversation; it mediates timeless form and offers complex spatial adventures. The building comprises a library, lecture theatres and a science faculty, each in a tall red Agra stone volume, with white marble detail, the facades mediated using louvred stone screens like traditional Jaali screens.

Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Exterior Photography, Brick, Facade, Concrete
© Christian Richters
Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Image 18 of 22
Ground Floor Plan
Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Beam
© Christian Richters
Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Image 20 of 22
First Floor Plan
Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Interior Photography, Stairs, Facade, Beam, Handrail
© Christian Richters

A 130m x 130m podium structure runs between and acts as climate modifier. 10m in the air, with giant ramps at either end, it is a natural extension of the pedestrian route. Below, everything is inhabited within a forked plan, like spreading water; students congregate in the heat of the day around fountains, in the cool shade of a tall concrete structure. The water cools the air and moves it to allow for a reduction in temperature at the hottest times of the year.

Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Interior Photography, Windows
© Christian Richters

The three buildings have lofty 30m atrium spaces of quite different character - in the library a zip-like tapering void, the science building a shaped city square, the lecture theatres hovering over a built landscape; all three are crossed by dramatic staircases; light spills from tree-filled roofs to the ground below and into the busy under-podium world.

Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Interior Photography, Stairs, Glass, Handrail
© Christian Richters

The structure is concrete at a series of scales: a grid of giant columns holds the podium, with herringbone soffits. Raked columns in the library touch as they meet. The lecture building has 6 theatres suspended back to back, 3 over 3, from a giant order that frees up the floor plans and forms a datum for the dancing staircases.

Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Interior Photography, Concrete, Beam
© Christian Richters
Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Image 21 of 22
Section DD
Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Exterior Photography, Facade, Brick
© Christian Richters

The architecture is of solid geometric forms, evocative of natural geography - extending nature to form rocky heights and shaded valleys. This is a contemporary concept founded on a sense of place, sensible to the traditions of Indian architecture. It is founded on strong sustainability and environmental concerns in a monsoon climate; it is built simply, using local labor and materials; the provision of cooling and shade limit solar gain, the podium with pools makes a local microclimate; Nature runs through it, from the existing trees retained, to the new landscape planted on the roofs through which light is filtered.

Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services - Exterior Photography, Facade
© Christian Richters

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Bhadson Rd, Adarsh Nagar, Prem Nagar, Patiala, Punjab 147004, India

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Thapar University Learning Laboratory / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services" 24 Mar 2022. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/954893/thapar-university-learning-laboratory-mccullough-mulvin-architects-plus-designplus-associates-services> ISSN 0719-8884

© Christian Richters

印度Thapar大学学习实验室 / Mccullough Mulvin Architects + Designplus Associates Services

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.