Design and Planning TIMELESS FLUX IMBIBING LAND RITUALS INTO AN EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS | Sandeep Patil LA 66
Nalanda University lies in a rich ecosystem developed on the Gangetic flood plains and dominated by hot-humid climate, alluvial geology, rich clayey soils, high groundwater table, flat terrain and subtropical dry deciduous forests. Institutions in this region have a history of successful co-existential relationships with the surrounding human and the natural environment, which have resulted in a vibrant cultural heritage. Human society is overwhelmingly agrarian with a long history of smaller administrative units supporting a group of villages. The landscape master plan intends to act as a steward to its region of influence through a comprehensive program encompassing ecology, community and culture.
The site is an agricultural land on the outskirts of Rajgir town. One can observe centuries of agricultural rituals moulding the site’s structure – a flood-prone area consisting of an intricate water system of “ahars, pynes and chahals” that move water as well as percolate it. The University was very clear that the soul of Nalanda must not be lost. Hence, it was decided early on to work closely with the datum line and complement the regional landscape structure.
