This case study examines the campus design of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi, India. The campus was designed by architect B.V. Doshi and completed in 1986. It is located in Hauz Khas, Delhi on a 3 acre site. Doshi's design concept was to create an organic campus that grew over time, resembling an Indian village square. The campus features a central sunken courtyard, academic blocks on either side, and administrative buildings. Circulation routes like steps, bridges, and terraces allow for interaction. While innovative, the design's focus on aesthetics sometimes compromises comfort and function. The campus aims to foster a sense of community for fashion and design students.

1. CAMPUS DESIGN CASE STUDY
SHIVAANI D
VARSHA PRABHU
SWATHI ANGADI
MADHU PATIL
KOMAL
K VINITHA
POOJA CHILLAL

2. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF
FASHION TECHNOLOGY,
DELHI

7. LOCATION
NIFT is located at Balbir Saxena Marg, Near Gulmohar Park, Hauz Khas, New Delhi,
Delhi. Green Park Metro Station is 750 metres away and New Delhi Railway Station is
around 10.9 km away from the institute. Indira Gandhi International Airport is 16.3 km
away and it will take around 28 minutes to reach the institute.
Latitude: 28-35‘
Longitude-77-12'Principal

8. OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this institute are to impart
education in apparel design for the ready
made garment industry to undertake research
in this field in tune with our cultural heritage
and train personnel in the field of garment
marketing. It is hoped that in future this institute
will become an international fashion center
and more importantly a model agency
promoting regional institutes all over India to
boost local talents which would enrich the
national garment design and manufacturing.
Client - National Institute of Fashion Technology
Principal Architect- B.V Doshi
Structural Consultant- Himanshu Parikh, Ahmedabad
Site Area- 11650 sq.mt. (i.e approx. 3 acres )
Total Built-up Area- 13570 sq.mt.
Intakes - 300 students
Courses - *Fashion and apparel
*Fashion communication
*Fashion and textiles
*Fashion technology
*Garment manufacture
*Leather garment development
*Knitwear design
PROJECT DETAILS
National Institute of Fashion Technology, (NIFT
campus) , Delhi

9. CONCEPT
Doshi’s concept of the building revolves
around form-imagery perception thus
providing the building with roots, life and
history. The NIFT campus becomes a village
square growing organically over time to
become a theatre, the scene for unfolding
drama of day to day life. For the central
kund like court, wide casually aligned
steps, water-channels, green areas, over
looking terraces and bridges emerge as
elements of space making to recreate for
fashion and design activities.
According to Doshi following references
have been used –
STEP WELL the steps leading to water
body surrounded by platforms and
galleries .
INDIAN BAZARS the idea of introverted
Indian bazaars relating to the theatrical
quality of fashion and traditional chowk or
mohalla to faster a sense of community .
KUND the main dominant feature in the
formation of institute design and which
guides the way to the campus

10. PEDESTRIAN
VEHICULAR CIR.
GREEN AREAS
AMPHITHEATRE
BLDG.BLOCK
SITE PLAN
The site was a flat land. The kund and the
levels are all architect’s creations which has
changed overall site contours.
The landscape is all planned with no
trace of any natural growth of vegetation
but main focus has been given to the hard
landscape, neglecting the effectiveness of
soft landscape.
The access is through a plot reserved for
zonal green now handled to NIFT on the
condition that no building shall be
constructed on this part.
The entry to the campus is from two sides – front
and back.. As one enters, to the left is security
cabin and front is a green patch and the
internal road leads to the main entrance and
basement.

11. ZONING
GLASS SCREENED BRIDGE
SEPARATING KUND LIKE COURT
FROM AMPHITHEATRE COURT, A
CT AS A MOVEMENT PATH
BETWEEN 2 ACADEMIC BLOCKS
It has two zones – academic and administration. Academic block is divided in to
two wings on either side around central court - amphitheatre making central
visual axis of the campus.
ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCK
ACADEMIC

12. CIRCULATION
HORZ. CIRC.
VERT. CIRC.
AMPH.
PEDESTRIAN
VEHICULAR
The circulation on site from the
gate to the point where the
building begins is vehicular.
Beyond this, the circulation is
totally pedestrian with the
play of levels and interesting
movement patterns and
landscaping.
Pedestrian movement is
Not channelized.
On entering
the building,
the circulation
is totally
pedestrian
through central
court leading
to resp. blocks.
Such interactive spaces
become the centre of
activity during the free
time of the students
Parking chaos
created at the
entry only
This forms a part
of informal
circulation

13. Circulation forms a major space for channelising. The architect has treated it with a very elaborate
network of corridors, steps, lobbies, staircases, lounges, bridges, and terraces.
A unique experience in going through the bridge and watching the court below gives the view of all
the happenings in the campus.
The components of circulation are:
Three level walkways with a cross breeze flowing to stand and gaze
Staircases evolving out of free flowing cut-outs, indicative of design forms.
Staircases leading to the terraces, which are intended to be used by the students during
their leisure time.
Open as well as glass screened bridges separating the
court from amphitheatre court, not only remain as movement
path, but also double up as the cat walk for the fashion
shows which can be viewed over from the class rooms,
corridors, library as well as the administrative block.
Total no. of 5 Staircases are provided serving the academic and administration block
and 2 lifts , each in both the wings are provided.

Circulation acting as
Interacting medium
CIRCULATION

14. Both covered and open parking was planned but the basement is not used for the
purpose and used for the workshop purpose.
Surface parking has been provided along with the paved access of the building. One
side is flanked by staff car parking and the other by visitor parking.
Road side parking infront of the institute is also done.
Two wheeler parking
Way to basement being blocked by
dumping waste furniture Open paved parking at the
entrance of the building block
Parking along the way leading
to inside of the campus
PARKING
Parking at the entrance
Way to basement being
blocked by dumping waste
furniture

15. CLASSROOMS
LABS.
GREEN
AMPH.+COURT
VERT.CIRC.
HORZ.CIRC.
RECEPTION
KITCHEN
CAFETERIA
TOILETS
ADM.BLOCK
The irregular lines of the plot bind the irregularly growing blocks. Different blocks
acquire different shapes and forms depending upon the functions they are
accommodating.
 Permeability of the blocks, due to accessibility from all the sides makes the site totally
traversed.
The building blocks are concentrated around the sunken court thus generating activity
and creating lively environment.
The front court
separated from
amphitheatre by terraced
academic wing
becomes culturally appr.
and climatically comfort
able outdoor space
ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCK
GROUND FLOOR PLAN GROUND COVERAGE
=2892 sq.mts. (25%)
labs in the way
due to insufficient
space
BUILDING LAYOUT

16. The whole complex forms a vibrant composition with a
double height entrance to the reception. it attains most
Different forms with a truncated pyramid.
The academic blocks are connected through different
systems of circulation overlooking the central court
Double height Reception with a large glazed
waiting hall and this reception is overlooked
through the exhibition area
Academic facilities have been provided in the areas
joined together
in the form of a cluster. The cluster comprises of – lobby ,
lecture rooms, laboratories
and toilets.
LABORATORIES
Fashion design demands extravagant gaps to handle
sprawling fabrics and numerous accessories –
they require larger tables, space for mannequins. So ,
there
is a complaint of space due to increase in no. of
students.
CLASSROOMS
LABS.
Space in between the labs and toilets
acts as lounge/lobby- interaction space
which is quite large enough so actual
space is being used by the faculty
members
LECTURE ROOMS
The exterior hides as to what is
happening inside the building.
ACADEMIC BLOCK

17. It is mainly designed to accumulate the persons for fashion shows as it helps the students to
keep a contact with the changing friends .
The NIFT amphitheatre is too much a topic of controversy and criticism.
It has not been constructed as it was designed. It was supposed to have the stage floating
in the water body below.
But the direction of the stage has also been changed, without taking into consideration the
orientation of the sun, i.e seating of the audience and stage exchanged their seats during
construction.
Total seating capacity is for 300 students ,
Which is not large enough for large gatherings.
Amphitheatre view from
administrative block’s
balcony
Front court view with central
bridge separating the court
from amphitheatre
It creates an inwardly bazar, livened up by designed
displays and movements of students as well as
visitors through entire
space
Area covered by
amphitheater = 319.35
sq.mts.

18. LABS
STORAGE AREA
SERVICES
VERT.CIRC.
HORZ..CIRC.
ramp down to
basement which is
presently locked
and the way is being
used for dumping
the waste furniture
Electrical and plant
room
Pattern making labs and
yarn - knitting lab in the
basement with
aluminium partitions
Basement covers
storage space and
labs other than
services which was
not planned. It was
planned for
parking which is
not in use
Basement is well lighted by using
the skylights covered by fibre sheet
which can be seen in central court
BASEMENT PLANNING

19. LANGUAGE AND
MODELLING ROOM
LABS.
TOILETS
ART ROOM
EXHIBITION HALL
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
One Lift serving both
the academic blocks
Adm. block Covers projection
and research office,
administrative office and officer’s
cabin
Narrow corridor
of administration
block with
ending up at
toilet blocks on
both sides
Labs are south west oriented which
is not good as it causes glare in the
peak time causing inconvenient to
the students
FIRST FLOOR ZONING

20. SECOND FLOOR PLAN
THIRD FLOOR PLAN
CLASSROOM
S
LABS
TOILETS
DIRECTOR’S CABIN AND BOARD ROOM
ART ROOM
EXB. HALL – UPPER LEVEL
LIBRARY
RESOURCE CENTRE
Library and the resource centre share the third floor.
Library is used by all the students and outside
people from the industry and profession, for research
and reference work
Resource centre consists of valuable audio-visual
collection of videotapes, slides, CDs and
photographs.
Resource centre also comprises of material
collection of textile, costumes, jewellery and other
related reference material.
PARKING

21. Although apart from the zonal green there is not any substantial green area to be landscaped,
the institute gives a feeling of richly landscaped environment.
Site boundary is lined with deciduous
and evergreen trees.
A series of high and low platforms,
soft and hard landscaping have been
Used in the amphitheatre court.
Landscaped cut-out
and lawns
Entrance has been
supplemented with
potted plants and flowers
thereby giving one a
feeling of being in a
natural environment.
Parking is flanked by
greenery with earth
mounds flowerbeds
and trees.
In this campus, soft landscape is negligible –
environmentally not good.
LANDSCAPING

22. Orientation
Building is aligned with its long sides along NW and SE axis,
facilitating good exposure to the sun and breeze.
Different blocks of building complex are placed according to
the site lines. All the peripheral building lines are parallel to the site lines.
Openings for light and ventilation have been sacrificed for
aesthetic considerations than climatic comfort.
Windows in the academic block have been provided towards NW
and SE resulting in glare and heat in the day.
Structure
This complex is based on frame structure - square module has been followed up.
The 7.88mts. Grid of square hollow columns (serving as ducts) works as a vertical
plenum for future air conditioning and evaporative cooling systems.
The roofing is done with waffle slabs (1.7mx1.7m) thus providing a column free space
of 6.85 sq., this sub-division used is a
basic module for all the components of the
building.
The external thickness of 990mm (3’-2”)
Acts as adequate sun protection for the
Windows, providing insulation.
la
bs
Art room
Lab
s
Lab
s
Lab
s
Lab
s cla
ssro
om
cla
ssro
om
Baseme
nt
Baseme
nt SECTIONS

23. Materials
STRUCTURE – R.C.C and brick walls.
CLADDING – random rubble stone masonry on some part of the plinth , pilasters in some places,
imported float glass used as a special material as a non-reflecting glass used as a complete wall,
steel frame screened with reflected glass, and use of vibrant colors in the interior spaces.
FLOOR FINISH - different floor finishes are used in different areas – black granite and white marble
check flooring in reception hall, kota green and Jaisalmer yellow in corridors, plain cement floor
finish in classrooms and laboratories, chips flooring in exhibition hall, open spaces with rough kutni
stone.

24. FAÇADE TREATMENT
One of the most striking features of the building is the façade, which
convey the contradictory sense of immobility as well as flexibility. The
building acquires its overall finish in its outer façade in grey colored grit
with grooves breaking the surface. The exteriors are uniformly finished
in grit, the interiors come in as a surprise, with composition of white,
grey, and greens of the court.
WINDOWS
An interesting part is the use of jharokhas of traditional architecture to
new materials and expression. Their asymmetrical placement bears an
incomplete look.
TORN PAPER AESTHETICS
As a gesture to the evolution from the
concept of ruins, the architect has used the
elements of tearing a stone wall slowly
generating starkly colored bands and
finishing in grit.
ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION
A grey mass puncture
the undulating surfaces
and the skyline formed
by steps and terraces
give a unique
character to the
building
Murals at the
entrance of the
building
PARKING

25. MATERIAL USED IN THE
BUILDING
STRUCTURE - R.C.C and brick walls. CLADDING –
Random rubble stone masonry on some part of the
plinth, walls in some places,
imported float glass used as a special material as a
non reflecting glass used as a complete wall, steel
frame screened with reflected glass, and use of
vibrant colors in the interiors spaces.
FLOOR FINISH: Block granite and white marble check
flooring in reception hall, Kota green and Jaisalmer yellow
in corridors, Plain cement floor finish in classrooms and
laboratories, chip flooring in exhibition hall, stone in open
spaces.
FAÇADE TREATMENT: The exterior although uniformly
finished in grey-colored grit, the interiors come as a
surprises, with composition in white, grey and greens of
the court reflected in the glass wall.
WINDOWS: jharokhas of traditional architecture and new
materials and expression creating an interesting blend.
25

28. CONCLUSION
⚫ The idea is to create a relationship between the built & the
unbuilt spaces.
⚫ There are evidences of blend of traditional and
contemporary architecture.
⚫ Aesthetics are cared for, sometimes at the
stake of comfort if not function.
⚫ The site is well-segregated into various zones
● w.r.t the functions.
⚫ Circulation spaces are minimised to obtain efficiency
in design.

29. AHMEDABAD

30. INTRODUCTION
Project: National Institute Of Design
Location: Paladi, Ahmedabad
Architect: Sarabhai and Gira
Site area: 63,848 sq.m
Client: Ministry Of Industry,
Government Of India
Year of completion: 1961 Structure:
RCC frame structure
National Institute of Design was established in Ahmedabad
in1961by the Government of as an autonomous national
institution for advanced training, research and service in
product design, visual communication, architecture, structure
planning and allied fields.
National Institute of Design is internationally acclaimed as
one of the finest educational and research institutions for
Industrial,Communication, Textile and IT Integrated
(Experiential) Design. It is an Institute of National
Importance under the DIPP, Ministry of Commerce
and Industry, Government of India
The site is located along the Sabarmati
River. The site measures about 20 acres.
In its surrounding is the Tagore hall, the
kite museum and opposite to the site is
Diwan Ballabhai high school. Main
Access of the site is from the main road
OVERVIEW
ENTRANCE TO THE INSTITUTE

31. SITE PLAN ZONING
● The entire site is divided into 3 major zones .
● The campus is zoned out from main entrance
,leading from public zone ,institutional
,recreational towards residential zone .
● Recreational zone is in the middle of
institutional and residential blocks providing
a good buffer space between zones .
● The site has its main access for institutional
block and secondary access for residential
block Institutional block is placed near the
entrance .
● Residential blocks are placed towards
Sabarmati river maintaining its privacy away
from the institutional block .

32. Layout
The main block which consists of both academic and
administration departments is placed on eastern
facing the river.
Movementaboutthesite
Emphasis has been given on the pedestrian
movement of the site,and one is encouraged to
walk around the building and discover it slowly.
SITE &FEATURES:
• The shape of the site is such that it divides
the site into two parts.
• The site is sloping towards the river.
• Its ground level 2.51 m below the high flood
level .
• The shape of the site has influenced its
design of the institute greatly.
• Most of the main buildings are provided with
the river view.
Vehicular movement:
Vehicular movement is restricted only till the
entrance for the visitors. But it is possible from
residential areas to academic block and vice-
versa. Besides, services entries are provided for
the various workshops. But pedestrian and
vehicular movement are not separated.
PROFESSIONALEDUCATIONPROGRAMMES
OFFERED
Industrialdesign
Product Design
Ceramic and Glass Design Furniture and Interior
Design
Toy and Game Design
Transportation and Automobile Design
Textileand apparel design
Textile Design
Apparel Design and Merchandising Lifestyle
Accessory Design
Communicationdesign
Graphic Design
Built unbuilt space Spill-out Shaded pathways
space Animation Film Design
Film and Video Communication Photography
Design
Exhibition Design
IT integrateddesign
Information & interface design
Design for Digital Experience
New Media Design
Digital game design
Interdisciplinary design
Interaction design
Universal design
Strategic design management

33. ● The planning of NID is based on various spatial types
of forms such as open courtyards with passages ,
raised platforms ,multiple entrances ,formal
entrance with the brick shell ,colonnade type facing
the green spaces and a concept of grid which hold
the hole composition of structure .
● The entire structural formation is in the form of grid .
● The building is generated with the help of frame
structure is supported through columns and beams .
● The entire building is on stilts with main floor
standing 3.24 meters above ground level ,thus
around 9570 sq.mt of floor space is available on
ground floor .
● The grid of the building helps in organization of the
spaces with internal spaces designed according to
the requirement and sizes .
● The basic dimension of one grid is 6.15x6.15 meters
c/c . All the modules are constant ,but when it
changes it differs by 2 meters . The openings of the
structure are prefabricated with the metal frame of
basic module of 1.025 meters .
● All the spaces with openings are oriented towards
the courtyards .
STRUCTURAL DETAIL
Major emphasis was given to create a function perfection in more complex
spaces like workshops and studios . The planning in form of grid according to
the function and around the two main courtyards makes building less
complicated as well as more functional .

34. ● Ground floor is mainly of
administration area ,director's
office ,faculty area ,glass and
ceramic workshops and public
interactive space
● First floor basically consist of
computer lab ,library, metal and
wood workshops and printing area
.
● The library is designed in full wall
glass partition for keeping it lit
during the day time .
● The mezzanine second floor consist
of studios ,textile labs and
auditorium. The auditorium has a
capacity of 230 people .
● It is fully air-conditioned used for
seminars and cultural programs and
lectures The studios are designed
mostly on the external wall with
exposed to enough amount of
natural light

35. HIERARCHY OF SPACES

36. Triple height interactive space
Optimization of informal light and
space
Channels passing through grid
● Spiral staircase made up of steel has been
provided in rear most small courtyard .
● These staircase acts as a secondary
preference to triple height staircase .
Workshop area with electric fittings
● The staircase has a platform
extending on different level
giving impactful experience.
● The semi open space of
canopied roof near doubled
act as one of the interactive
space .
Schematic light fitting detail Schematic fan fitting detail
SERVICES

37. MATERIALS GREEN
FEATURES
Ground floor with waffle beam
slab
Reinforced brick shells
workshop area in-situ flooring
External façade with exposed
materials
Blend of vegetation with structure
Internal courtyard as breakout
space
Built un-built space
Spill-out Shaded pathways

39. Architectural observations
● The entire institute building designed is based on the square column grid .
● The designing is done according to the need for space and to adapt constantly changing needs
in future .
● The building is constructed internally using partitions for changing needs and permanent
partitions where permanent areas are assigned .
● The intersection of access path are often between the functional areas of classrooms ,studios
and workshops such adaptations have been functional due to the informal nature of areas inside
the building .
● The administration areas are restricted only to ground floor maintaining its privacy for access as
well . The exhibition areas is on ground floor as a welcoming in the entrance The canteen is
housed in the external structure .

40. AREA ANALYSIS

41. SPACE AREA (sqm)
LOBBY/WAITING 60
RECEPTION 10
SPACE AREA(sqm)
DIRECTOR ROOM 30
REGISTRAR ROOM 30
STAFF ROOM 60
STORE ROOM 20
BOARD ROOM 50
P.A ROOM 8
LECTURE HALL 40
COMPUTER LAB 90
AV HALL 60
DESIGN STUDIO 60
ENTRANCE
ADMINISTRATION

42. SPACE AREA(sqm)
GARMENT MANUFACTURING
LAB
75
PATTERNN MAKING LAB 150
TEXTILE TECH LAB 75
KNIT WEAR TECH LAB 150
LOCKER FACILITY 60
LABORATORIES
AUDITORIUM
SPACE AREA(sqm)
STAGE AREA 200
GREEN ROOM (GENTS) 35
GREEN ROOM (LADIES) 35
CHANGING ROOM 40
MAINTENANCE 20
PROJECTOR ROOM 40
SEATING AREA 410

43. LIBRARY
SPACE AREA(sqm)
COUNTER & OFFICE 30
LIBRARIAN ROOM 15
BINDING & PROCESS 50
STACK ROOM 200
MATERIAL LIBRARY 100
GENERAL READING 160
RECORD & XEROX 15
SPACE AREA(sqm)
ENTRANCE LOBBY 30
INDOOR DINING 300
OUTDOOR DINING 100
KITCHEN 80
STORAGE 50
SCULLERY 15
CANTTEN FOR STAFF & STUDENTS

44. SPACE AREA(sqm)
DOUBLE ROOM 1050
WARDEN ROOM 20
COMMON ROOM 144
PLAY ROOM 64
READING ROOM 40
HOSTEL FOR BOYS & GIRLS