• Project: MSAP Architecture and Design School
• Architects: The Purple Ink Studio
• Area: 13,470 m?
• Year of completion: 2022
• Photography: Suryan Dang

MSAP Architecture & Design School, features a facade with a flowing, wave-like element that looks like a piece from an abstract art, echoing the form of a sound wave. This unique element invites diverse interpretations and gives the building its standout character. The wavy form doubles as undulating steps leading up to the auditorium and administrative areas. Located in the coastal town of Manipal, Karnataka MSAP is laid out on a contoured site of 3.9 acres, making the most of the stunning views surrounding it. Inspirations have been sought from the conspicuous Old Temple prominent in the city.

Design Philosophy & Campus Layout

From the moment one enters the campus of? MSAP Architecture & Design School, it is evident that design excellence is at the crux of everything here. The composition of the campus itself is a masterclass in creating an inspiring educational environment. It has been meticulously planned to promote interaction, creativity, and focus among students. Architecture schools in India often grapple with balancing functionality and aesthetic appeal. MSAP has mastered this balance by incorporating open spaces, flexible design areas, and aesthetically pleasing landscapes. The setting includes a variety of communal spaces such as open courtyards and landscaped gardens that encourage informal gatherings and collaborative work.???

The 1,45,000 sq ft layout incorporates four blocks strategically composed around a central open space to optimise airflow. Consequently, with steps providing access to each block, this central zone becomes an interactive area for students and faculty alike. Moreover, the varied levels create an interesting visual effect, adding function and charm to the space. Featuring a significant 18-meter slope towards the southeast, the building layout is composed of a 10?10 meter grid, stepping down along the contours to ensure uninterrupted views of the valley. The central court has grey granite flooring from local stone, with patterns inspired by the shadows of the buildings. The entire vision is grounded in a regional & topographical context with the harmoniously proportioned forms bounded around nature, encouraging a dialogue between the two. 

Exemplifying Contextual Design

Contextuality in architecture and design means creating spaces that fit well with their surroundings. The campus itself is a prime example of contextual design. The architectural features and materials used are carefully chosen to reflect and complement the regional environment. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the campus but also ensures that the buildings are functional and resilient in their specific climate. In short, MSAP in a way encourages its students to embrace contextuality in their projects, teaching them to design with a deep awareness of how their work interacts with its surroundings. This approach helps students create spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful and relevant to the local community.

Student-Centric Design

The MSAP campus facilities for architecture students are among the best in the country, offering a range of amenities that enhance the overall student experience.  From well-designed studios to collaboration spaces, the campus has everything students need to succeed academically and creatively. In fact, the design studios here deserve special recognition. The design studios, bathed in natural light, open onto a tiered terrace. The use of modular furniture allows for a variety of configurations, while the adjacent terrace area provides a pleasant environment for informal encounters and creative breaks. This combination provides a perfect setting for creative and collaborative learning. The stairways in the corridor offer views of the terraces and allow for visual connection with others, creating a link between the areas. 

As one of the leading design schools in India for architecture and design education, the MSAP Architecture & Design School stands out. MSAP courses offer a well-rounded education that combines theory with hands-on experience. Similarly, the campus design is carefully planned to support and enhance the students’ learning experience. The material palette focuses on durability and ease of maintenance, featuring exposed concrete ceilings highlighted with colours inspired by the local cultural landscape. The design approach promotes exploration, experimentation, and the blending of constructed spaces with the natural environment, encouraging a setting that nurtures creativity and communication.

Serving As A Magnet For Future Architects & Designers

The top design programs at MSAP are certainly attracting the interest of aspiring architects and designers. However, it?s not just the programs that are garnering the attention of students to this leading architecture and design school in India, the design of the campus itself is a major draw. The core values of biomimicry and sustainability are projected, making it more than just a functional space. This means the building is not just functional but also an experience in itself. It is thoughtfully designed to fit its local environment and terrain. The structure blends harmoniously with nature, creating a balanced relationship between the built environment and the natural world. This design encourages ongoing interaction and conversation between the two, reflecting the school?s commitment to integrating natural principles into its architecture.

In essence, the MSAP Architecture & Design School enhances the student experience by deeply embedding contextual design into its campus layout. The innovative wave-like facade and the carefully arranged buildings are not just visually striking; they are thoughtfully crafted to integrate with the local environment and topography. This design approach creates a dynamic and engaging learning environment, with open courtyards and flexible spaces that foster interaction and creativity among students.

The incorporation of natural light and the use of local materials enrich the daily campus experience, making it both functional and inspiring. MSAP programs encourage students to appreciate and apply these principles in their work, helping them develop a keen awareness of how their designs can resonate with and enhance their surroundings. This thoughtful integration of design and environment makes it one of the best architecture schools in India that not only supports but elevates the educational journey for its students.

Sources

• https://www.archdaily.com/996681/msap-architecture-and-design-school-the-purple-ink-studio
• https://www.designboom.com/architecture/undulating-steps-clad-red-terracotta-bricks-msap-architecture-school-entrance-purple-ink-studio-india-05-22-2024/
• https://homegrown.co.in/homegrown-creators/manipals-new-architecture-school-is-a-case-study-in-thoughtful-sensitive-design
• https://www.theplan.it/eng/award-2023-Education/manipal-school-of-architecture-planning-the-proportioned-harmony-of-forms-bounded-around-nature-the-purple-ink-studio