Ecologically-Sensitive Institution

Project: Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

With a number of universities coming up across the country, what is now needed is a pledge to create institutions that will help develop a society characterized by the wise and learned. It was with such a vision that the design for the university was conceived. The aim here was to create a globally-acclaimed academic and research institution that can generate a vibrant community of intellectuals endowed with character, creativity, competence and commitment, and who can inspire meaningful transformations to ensure holistic growth and social development.

To imagine an environment of learning, wisdom and creativity that would infuse a sense of cultural ethics and ecological harmony with a respect for history, it was necessary to base the design of the complex in philosophies stemming from different cultures, which teach humans– ‘simple living and high thinking’. The essence of the design philosophy lay in respecting both continuity and change, and incorporating this into teaching and learning practices within the university.

With schools of study such as management, international law, information and communication technology, environmental sciences, applied sciences, biotechnology, humanities, Buddhist studies and development studies, the university campus is dedicated to learning in an environment that truly engenders intellectual growth.

The most iconic position of Gautam Buddha is his meditative posture. This has been used as the design inspiration for the university with the various buildings superimposed on this image. At the head sits the library, the ocean of knowledge. The body of Lord Buddha is where are located the eight faculties which form the backbone of the university and represent Buddha’s eight fold path. The administration which serves the university lies at the foot.