The New Campus of Nalanda University brings together a revolutionized and revitalized architecture and educational infrastructure. It reflects the identity of a global centre for learning deeply rooted in the country’s heritage and legacy. 

Nalanda, the ancient seat of learning, comes from Na-alam-daa, which means ‘Insatiable in Giving’. Before its destruction, the institution was a monumental historic structure and patronage to artists and educators. It was the world’s first residential campus known for its Hindu and Buddhist teachings. The early university housed two main academic blocks, two auditoriums, and a Dharmagunj library comprising more than 9 million books. 

The Nalanda University new campus symbolizes India?s cultural exchange and academic heritage. Spread across 455 acres of land, located in Bihar’s Rajgir district, it aims to match the stature of the century-old campus. Encompassing a modern infrastructure, today’s facilities, and technological advances, the campus is set to redefine its glorious reputation and become a beacon of smart & modern education. 

Designed by architect Rajeev Kathpalia and his team at Vastushilpa Consultants, the campus architecture is directed towards a centralized design with the other facilities surrounding the water body, contrasting to the academic spine that reflects the linearity and axial planning of the clustered blocks with high ceilings. 

Infrastructure & Campus Design

The Nalanda University infrastructure, shows a striking resemblance to the old university. A total of 24 buildings cater to its students’ overall learning and give importance to their physical and mental well-being. It comprises six schools with an academic spine spanning in both N-S directions catering to the accommodation of classrooms, auditoriums, discussion rooms, etc. This spine features exposed red-brick blocks with concrete edges, housing spacious learning discussion rooms and classrooms. 

Modern facilities at Nalanda University aid in the growth of the student community. These facilities are catered to provide students with the required resources and a conducive learning environment to foster creativity and build focus. It also focuses on holistic development by carefully considering academic, social, and personal growth. As of now, the university is applauded for its remarkable comeback. 

This net-zero campus fosters a true connection with nature, idolizing the ancient Nalanda campus. The Nalanda University expansion is poised to transform the region into a globally inviting centre for research and education. With the advanced and emerging technologies intertwined with the infrastructure, this campus is evergreen and eco-friendly. Net-zero features of the campus are 😕

• 100 acres of water bodies
• 300 acres of green landscaping works
• 6.5 MW Solar Farm
• 1.5 MW Biogas Plant
• CSEB – Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks
• Ahar-Pyne & DeWAT water management systems 
• DEVAP – Desiccant Evaporative technology 

Defining Architectural Characteristics

The New Nalanda University campus features a carbon-neutral and zero waste campus while considering the material, water management systems, building thermal resistance, etc. Awarded the GRIHA Exemplary Performance Awards [2017, 2018, 2019] and GRIHA LD 5-Star Rating [2020], keeping in mind the university’s logo, this campus has received the recognition it deserves and awaits more. 

Diverse campus amenities cater to the various needs of the students while also encouraging and inspiring them. Looking at the facilities and amenities a university provides, certain standards are to be met, which this university surpasses and has also contributed to many unique auxiliary facilities.

The university library is in the form of a red-brick Stupa and is a six-storeyed pre-cast structure. This structure’s base outer radius is 81m with a crowning height of 26m. 

University hostels are inspired by traditional Viharas and are compact units. All 24 buildings, along with the Tathagat Residence Hall for Women, Ajatshatru Residence Hall, and amenities, act as clusters connected along a public spine. The guest houses / Campus Inn is integrated with rich culture and comfort, welcoming scholars, visitors, and guests. 

The dining hall has a capacity of 1000 per seating, similarly, a smaller cafeteria beside the auditorium garden caters to snacks, beverages, sweets, etc. 

Amphitheatres are free spaces students/lecturers would like to visit during breaks. The openness of the structure fosters a sense of relaxation and opens the mind. Nalanda University’s 2000 seater amphitheatre is surrounded by water bodies and smaller circular open-air roundel theatres. These uniquely crafted structures act as mini open-to-sky classrooms, that engage in conversation and free space for learning, breaking the formal enclosed classroom setup. The two auditoriums in this university – a 300-seater Sushma Swaraj Auditorium and a 100-seater Mini Auditorium facilitate audio-visuals, video conferences, lectures, seminars, etc.?

Standout Features

While the university excels in facilitating academic growth, it also endorses the importance of sports and fitness in a student’s life. The campus is provided with a flood-lit high-quality outdoor stadium that caters to various sports as well as an indoor sports stadium complex for badminton, volleyball, chess, etc. It also encourages fitness and well-being with an air-conditioned gymnasium equipped with good quality gym/exercising equipment. 

Advanced technology takes its place on this campus through its labs – computer lab, language lab, etc. and its digital library. With integrated services like GIS, MatLab, CAS/SDI, reprography, online catalogue, etc., the campus flourishes with smart and up-to-date technology, making it an improved centre for learning and research.

Nalanda University has shown its excellence in developing not only the campus infrastructure extraordinarily, but also in providing distinctive and appreciative additional services like : 

• A shopping complex and arcade  
• Kamal Sagar ? The Central water body
• Yoga & Meditation Halls 
• Medical Facilities
• Transportation services 
• Organic Farming on the Campus
• SPIC Macay

The Kamal Sagar is a four-quadrant man-made lake forming the centre of the campus. Built considering the terrain and flooding pattern of the site, this acts as a network of stormwater channels for rainwater harvesting and a natural cooling element. 

Primary Medical Centre functions as a mini in-campus hospital providing health care services round the clock with a dedicated staff of 15 members. The Health Care Centre provides ECGs, X-rays, dressings, etc., and a 24/7 ambulance service. 

Frequent shuttle services are provided for students and lecturers to travel back and forth to the enormous campus. 

The organic farm within the campus supplies fruits and vegetables for the students, teachers, etc., operating on a sustainable development basis. It uses local resources and natural ecosystems to promote sustainability and community engagement. 

The structure promotes sustainability and an eco-friendly urban environment with low-cost durable materials, water features, greenery, and net-zero accompaniments.

The New Nalanda University campus is a testament to India’s commitment to reclaiming its intellectual heritage while embracing modern-day technology. It seamlessly blends ancient history with modern technology to develop a holistic environment for its students. Standing as a model for global institutions through its academic excellence, infrastructural integrity, and sustainable inclusiveness, it stands unwavering and acts as an inspiration to future generations. The university?s commitment to research and cultural preservation enriches the intellectual and social fabric of the region, positioning it as a centre of innovation and tradition.

Sources

• https://nalandauniv.edu.in/