Intricate Spatial Interactions

Project: Bajaj Institute of Technology, Wardha, Maharashtra

- 

The Bajaj Institute of Technology is located in Wardha, a historic town in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra that is famous for its Gandhi Ashram and the various institutions created by generations of the Bajaj family, through the Shiksha Mandal Group of Institutions. What will intrigue any visitor to this campus are the beautiful murals embossed within the wonderful ‘jack-arched’ ceilings, with mystical triangles acting as large ‘eyes of the campus’ to the world outside. The campus also has a complex and interesting system of bridges and staggered walkways, creating a variety of spaces. The attractive entry and the wonderful internal community courtyards all tie this creation into a matrix of visual and design identities.

The approach to the site is flanked by other educational institutions run by the Shiksha Mandal. The idea of the building was propagated by the client, who was confident that a unique style of educational agenda and a sensitive architectural design would sustain the institute, irrespective of the prevailing scenario where engineering colleges were being mothballed. Having been associated with noted architect Christopher Benninger and his team for over a decade, the client simply gave a one-line brief—‘make it unique’.