Atlas Skilltech University
- Location
- Mumbai, Maharashtra, india
- Completed
- 2026
- Built-up area
- 1,50,000 sq.ft
Project description
Design a Vertical University in an Urban Landscape that will inspire the current and future generation of students during their daily course of life on the campus. Architecture of the space should encourage constant collaboration and allow room for inclusive teaching and learning in every corner of the campus. All the spaces should be transparent, yet everyone on campus should feel safe and secure, at the same time comfortable for anyone to express.
While the ways of teaching and learning are going through change, this university should be able to withstand the test of time and be able to easily adapt and accommodate.
How is the project beneficial?
How is your project useful and considerate to both people and planet? How does the building contribute to society and meet the principles of inclusive design? What strategies are in place to maximise re-use, minimise waste, and reduce the buildingʼs embodied and operational carbon footprints? If you have undertaken a whole-life carbon assessment please give details per sqm.
Our biggest challenge for this refurbishment, retrofit was the fact that the client was reusing a lot of the furniture, fixtures, glass partitions, light fittings, etc.. amongst others into the new premises. Our strategy was as follows:
Assessment and Inventory: We began by conducting a thorough assessment of the existing furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). Determined what could be salvaged, reused, or repurposed in the new premises. Created an inventory of all items to facilitate the decision-making process.
Prioritize Reuse: We Gave priority to reusing existing FF&E wherever possible, considering factors such as functionality, condition, and compatibility with the new space. This approach reduced waste and minimized the need for new materials.
Adaptive Reuse: We explored opportunities for adaptive reuse of existing elements. For example we repurposed old lockers as storage units, converted light fittings into energy-efficient LED.
We also selected sustainable new materials. Worked closely to incorporate energy efficiency into the HVAC, lighting and plumbing systems.
Natural light was utilised to reduce reliance on artificial lighting
Inclusive Design: We considered universal design principles, such as ramps, elevators, adjustable-height furniture, clear signage, and braille information.
Community Engagement/ Empathy: We involved the faculty, students and other end users in the project by seeking their input and feedback.
By adopting these strategies, we aimed to create a sustainable, inclusive, and community-oriented urban university that minimized waste, reduced carbon footprints, and contributed positively to society.
Project concept
Designing a vertical university requires careful consideration of various factors that can impact the overall functionality and success of the institution in inspiring the current and future generations. Hence, while conceptualizing the campus, following approaches have been considered :
Space Utilization : Vertical universities have limited space available, so it was important to maximize the use of every inch of available space. This was achieved through efficient space planning, flexible and transparent room configurations, and creating multi-use spaces.
Circulation: Efficient circulation is a key to a functional vertical university. Hence clear unobstructed pathways were laid out and planning was simplified for ease of understanding and smooth movement of people throughout the building.
Natural Light : This was a key factor in designing transparent classrooms that allowed penetration of natural light across the entire floor plate.
Innovative Learning Spaces : Based on the client brief and looking into the past, present and future of all campuses, it was evident that learning and teaching on a campus had no boundaries, and can never be confined within the 4 walls of a classroom. Hence, the entire university campus was given innovative learning spaces like amphitheater style seating along the corridor, ledges along the periphery of the building where the students and teacher could easily sit and discuss, loose furniture with connectivity to power points was carefully planned in niches or alcoves along the main spine of the circulation space, and most of the furniture was kept loose and easily movable allowing a space to transform itself to accommodate all kinds of learning or fun events across the campus.
Safety and Security : With a large number of people using the facility, safety and security was a top priority. Apart from technology the overall transparent and see-through Architectural Design of the campus gives students a constant sense of a secured environment.
Flexible design: In any University campus a design that has adequate flexibility to transform its spaces makes it multi-functional and easily adaptable. This was the key consideration in designing classrooms and movable walls to allow complete flexibility of spaces.
Aesthetic appeal: A visually appealing vertical university always attracts more students and provides a positive learning environment. Incorporating design elements such as natural light, green spaces, graphics and art installations has created a visually stimulating and inspiring environment for learning.
Project challenges
There were three key challenges that had to be resolved and addressed carefully :
This University was to be designed in a business park in an Existing Commercial office building which was not designed to be a University building during its inception.
The University caters to various courses and every field of specialization has its unique requirement and yet the entire university has to have a cohesive environment.
Architecture of the building and its given facilities including the given poor quality of natural light had to be enhanced across the campus
Project gallery
Photography: Yamini Krishna Photography
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- A
Architectural/ Interior Designs Firm
Alcove Designs LLP
- P
Project Management firm
Panora Infrastructure LLP
- S
Civil and Interior Works
Stencil Engineering Pvt. Ltd.