CPKA designed IIM Lucknow to exhibit interplay of social expression
- Vol.36(10), October
- New Delhi Burda Media India Private Limited 2019
- 80-83p.
The project is a proud part of India’s most premier league of educational institutions. In the decades since its inauguration, it has continued to uphold the strong legacy of management studies in the country.
Lucknow is one of the most distinctive cities in North India with a rich socio-cultural and architectural heritage– from its stunning imambaras and palaces, to sturdy buildings that have served to house the common man. Commonly used local materials such as bricks and stones reflect a naked urban ruggedness; simultaneously shielding each building from the heat of the sun, while creating a tangible sense of Lucknow’s renowned resilience and history of social expression. The design for the institute was conceptualized to be respectful of the landscaping and planning philosophies of the region, which is characterised by lush green gardens, open courts and pavilions. Lucknow’s weather, one of extremes, also called for a climate-sensitive approach that could foster passive cooling and natural ventilation.
The answers to such requirements lay in Awadh architecture, a singular style of design followed in Lucknow, in addition to many other cities in North India. The design is characterised by an interplay of solids and voids within the entire built form to facilitate natural lighting and ventilation, giving the building a balance of solidity and porosity. Elements such as false walls, double walls and networks of corridors efficiently inducing passive cooling and air circulation have been used extensively in the architecture of the university.