“The site for Goa Institute of Management was an opportunity to weave Architecture and Landscape to create a cohesive environment.” 

Nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats of India, is the expansive campus for Goa Institute of Management. Spread across 50 acres of land, the dynamic campus overlooks the Western mountain range of India.

Goa Institute of Management in a picturesque Western mountain range in India | SNK Somaya & Kalappa Consultants

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Editor’s Note: GIM (Goa Institute Of Management)’s campus design by SNK is a creatively choreographed built vs open design, merging with the natural slopes of the terrain. The combination of yellow and whites compliments the context, where, the yellow shines bright on the campus against the surrounding landscape while the white buildings binds the overall color-scheme, well fused with the natural blues and greens. ~ Aditi Doshi

The patterns of the terrain and the panoramic vistas of the mountains lent themselves to establish points of reference and context at a site with little to no architectural history. It was an opportunity to weave Architecture and Landscape to create a cohesive environment. 

Design of the campus:

The natural arid ground and the designed landscape are in juxtaposing. To interact in a way that makes the traversing of the land a unique experience.

The design of the buildings is to respond to the topography of the land. With the Academic and supporting facilities, the site is in distribution of four clusters of buildings, spread across the site. Organized along two axes, these clusters connect each other using pathways and landscape in the Goa Institute of Management.

The academic and administrative areas are at the apparent intersection of these axes. The Library and the cafeteria blocks occupy the highest point on the site with spectacular vistas framed in their architecture. The student hostels are at the Northernmost corner, while the recreation facilities are at the lowest point of the site. 

The built forms come together in places that are concentrations of activity. In addition, the central academic cluster is around a large Plaza with a paved area to contain large gatherings. The entry into the court is through a high portal that leads into this open-to-sky space.

The buildings around the Plaza open into a central space while framing sweeping views of the Western Ghats another side.

Designed as the heart of the Campus, the Academic block is the first building that visitors would see. As they enter the campus and drive up to the elevated part of the site. Furthermore, there are 12 classrooms between the ground and first floors, faculty offices, the Director’s offices and conference rooms.

Courtyard:

The courtyard in the center works as a collection space. For the graduation procession the young students work their way towards the hall and the mountains on the East.

The Cafeteria and the Library are nearby and a Plaza is in between those buildings with unrestricted views on the Western side. Also, this Plaza consists of sunken seating surrounded by newly planted trees. Additionally, that gives shade and comfort to the students as they use this polymorphic open space. 

Architectural consciousness: 

The planning of the campus is environmental to harvest rainwater from recharge pits and swales. Starting with the walls of the buildings, made of laterite, extracted from the site, thus preserving the embedded energy of the construction process.

Interestingly, most of the buildings are with cavity walls to keep the heat out. The steep slope roofs and the deep overhangs enable the protection of the walls and openings from the heavy rains. Which is typical in the region. The interiors have double-height spaces and staircases connecting the two floors.

Natural materials like native Indian stones are there for the flooring. Also, depending on the privacy and purpose of the interiors, the pattern of the envelope changes in transparency, lightness, and permeability. 

In addition, the quality, proportion, and placement of fenestrations vary throughout the built form about the immediate and distant context. Additionally, a set of defined architectural elements employ to render each space unique and responsive to its situation. Colors, textures, nightlights, vegetation, and a palette of related materials regulate and choreograph experiences. 

Conclusion:

Interpreting the identity of the institution and its students through Architecture was central to designing this Campus. Hence, the MBA students stay for two years on a rigorous Academic regime and the environs of the campus become pivotal to their life. Therefore, it is significant for the institution to be a place where life can thrive. Each work of Architecture is distinct as the unique process of design determines the eventual character of the place. It is in the making of this place that the Institution formed.

Fact File

Designed by: SNK – Somaya & Kalappa Consultants

Project Name: Goa Institute Of Management (GIM )

Location: Poriem, Sattari, Goa

Site Area: 50 acres

Built Up Area: 90,850 Sqm

Principal Architects: Ar. Brinda Somaya & Ar. Nandini Sampat

Photograph Courtesy: Studio Charuau / Fabien Charuau

Firm’s Website Link: SNK – Somaya & Kalappa Consultants

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