The design imbibes ecological considerations to become an organic extension of the surrounding landscape as a model for sustainability, cultural continuity, and community engagement.
Dikshu Kukreja, Managing Principal, CPKA
Fact File
Name of Project: Biswa Bangla Biswavidyalaya
Typology: Institutional
Site area: 18.5 acres
Built-Up area: 66000 sq.m
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal (WBIDCO)
Biswa Bangla Biswavidyalaya, situated on the outskirts of Shantiniketan, West Bengal, is a liberal arts university. Shantiniketan was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as a utopian community that shaped the 20th-century South-Asian art, literature, music, and architecture. Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore’s artistic, literary, and educational vision flourished here.
For such an iconic institution, the design team opted for a contextually-suitable architecture that embraces Shantiniketan’s vernacular wisdom. It takes inspiration from the principles of ‘Gurukul’, an ancient Indian system of learning, set amidst nature. The architectural narrative of the university is enriched by the region’s cultural heritage which includes, terracotta ‘Sholapith’ craft, the Bengal School of Art, and the medieval architecture of West Bengal.
The project attained ecological harmony with passive design, self-shading, and strategic orientations. It integrates solar panels, green terracing, and an eco-lake. Local materials like clay and bamboo offered sustainability. Water conservation and energy-saving features ensured environmental compatibility, making it a model of sustainability and community engagement.
By addressing social, ecological, and economic inequalities through inclusive design, the team strives to make a meaningful impact on the built environment and society. In designing the university, inclusivity was a key consideration. The project (of West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd) has been designed to be accessible and functional for people of all abilities, addressing social inequalities. Locals engage with the project contributing towards community empowerment.
The diverse architectural practice integrates various disciplines to create eco-friendly designs. The team prioritizes climatological factors for energy efficiency and minimizing costs with local materials, supporting the local economy. Pro-bono services are offered by the team to those with limited resources, ensuring accessibility to quality architectural solutions, fostering a more equitable built environment.
