Reimagining a River: The TCS Indore Campus as a Sustainable Knowledge Hub – The Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is a leading Indian IT company headquartered in Madhya Pradesh. Its newly developed campus exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to workplace design, conceived as a “river reinvented as a workplace”, to foster young talent and promote inclusive growth within India’s expanding business ecosystem.
Editor’s Note: “A river reborn as architecture, TCS Indore campus flows with a purpose, resting on the land and listening to it. Here, technology meets tradition, and landscapes reflect the legacy. Moreover, innovation is not disruptive but integrated, creating an ecosystem where learning, growth, and nature live cohesively.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
TCS Indore Sets a New Benchmark in Sustainable Campus Design | Somaya Sampat
Taking inspiration from the Narmada River, the master plan is organized into three distinct zones, echoing the river’s upper, middle, and lower courses. In the upper course, IT development centers cluster around a central kund, creating a vibrant nucleus.
The middle course features sculptural, fragmented blocks defined by their inclined forms, minimal façades, and distinctive triangular accents. The lower course opens into a series of smaller BPO buildings that gradually extend toward the northern edge of the site, culminating in an open-air amphitheater surrounded by lush landscaping.
One of the key challenges in designing the campus was mitigating the urban heat island effect, particularly critical during Indore’s intense summer months.
The design responds with a combination of passive cooling strategies, including the strategic placement of water bodies throughout the site to lower ambient temperatures naturally.
Sustainability is at the core of the project’s construction and operation. The campus employs green building techniques aimed at LEED certification, such as the use of fly ash in cement and bricks, double-glazed glass for thermal insulation, and solar panels to generate renewable energy.
The architectural language and landscape design draw directly from the forms and flows of the Narmada River. Buildings are proportioned in response to the river’s edge, and the geometry of the landscape aligns seamlessly with the architectural massing. Interior color palettes are also inspired by the natural elements found along the river’s course.
In addition, cultural continuity is achieved through curated art installations and traditional crafts. Including Dokra, Gond, and Warli, integrated into an interactive wall within the cafeteria. Also, creating an environment that is both high-tech and culturally rooted.
Functionally and environmentally, the campus layout supports harmony with nature. Further, enhancing user experience, and long-term sustainability.
Cooling water features, gravel-lined plazas for groundwater recharge, and native, drought-resistant vegetation all contribute to reducing heat buildup and improving local biodiversity.
The J campus in Indore sets a benchmark for sustainable business environments in India. Through its river-inspired master plan, energy-efficient construction, and integration of cultural and ecological elements. Further, it redefines how corporate campuses can engage with both place and purpose.
Fact FileDesigned by: Somaya Sampat
Project Type: Office Building Design
Project Name: Tata Consultancy Services
Location: Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Year Built: 2018
Built-up Area: 1290000 Sq. ft
Photograph Courtesy: Somaya Sampat
Source: ArchDaily
Firm’s Instagram Link: Somaya Sampat
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