IIT Kharagpur -

Designing a Visionary 1,200 Acre Educational Campus

SSA, along with gkkSSA, won the competition project to provide Master Planning services for IIT Kharagpur’s ambitious 1,200-acre campus. This large-scale project includes the infrastructure upgradation of the entire campus, covering academic blocks, student and staff housing, research facilities, administrative blocks, banks, and more.

The total construction area spans 2.5 million square feet, with the entire project being completed in two phases. Key elements of the first phase include the Student Activity Centre, the Student Amenities Centre, and the Central Library building. The project is designed to transform the campus into a state-of-the-art educational hub while maintaining its prestigious legacy.

Expertise
Architecture
Location
Kharagpur, West Bengal
Project Typology
Educational
Client
IIT Kharagpur
Site Area
170000 Sq.Ft
Year of Completion
March, 2012

Project Team
Kaustubh Shevade Ramchandra Savadatti & Laxman Gundu

At the core of the master plan is a focus on creating a pedestrian-friendly, multimodal campus. The layout emphasizes walkability with strategically placed ‘collaboration plazas’ that connect separate buildings and foster interaction among students, faculty, and staff. These spaces not only encourage spontaneous communication but also promote a sense of community across the campus, reinforcing the idea of an integrated and collaborative educational environment. This design approach ensures seamless movement across the sprawling campus while encouraging intellectual engagement.

The Directors of one of India’s premier engineering institutions envision making India synonymous with world-class campuses, aiming to shift the global conversation from MIT to India when discussing leading educational facilities. With this vision in mind, the master plan strives to position the campus as a ‘technopolis’—a shining technology city that sets a new standard for engineering education worldwide. The design reflects this goal, creating world-class facilities to elevate its standing on the global stage.

The campus master plan integrates an innovative and forward-thinking approach to sustainable development. Each structure is designed with a focus on flexibility and adaptability, ensuring they can evolve to accommodate future growth and changing educational needs. By embracing sustainable building practices, the plan not only minimizes environmental impact but also enhances the surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious balance between modern development and nature.

The design prioritizes long-term resilience, ensuring that the campus can adapt to new technologies and educational trends. This holistic approach reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation, preserving the core values of the institution while future-proofing the campus to remain a vibrant, relevant space for generations of students, faculty, and researchers.