Educational architecture has the potential to transcend its functional purpose, creating spaces that inspire learning, foster collaboration, and build community. In recent years, a shift has emerged toward designing campuses that embrace their surroundings while responding to the evolving needs of their users. The TAPMI Centre for Sustainability in Manipal, a town along India’s southern coast, illustrates this forward-thinking approach.

Manipal, known as a hub for education, began its transformation in 1953 under the guidance of Dr T.M.A. Pai. Originally a small town with a population of 2,000 to 5,000, it has grown into a thriving academic centre, home to approximately 25,000 to 30,000 students who form a significant part of its community. However, rapid infrastructure expansion has resulted in an urban fabric that often lacks spaces catering to the needs of its young, transient population. The TAPMI Centre for Sustainability addresses this gap by rethinking the design of these academic spaces as community-oriented nodes.

TAPMI’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity extends beyond its curriculum to the very fabric of its campus. Nestled alongside the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, the institution integrates green energy solutions such as solar installations, water recycling and waste management systems that serve both the campus and the community. Initiatives like textbook reuse programs for underprivileged students and diverting food waste to local animal shelters underscore their dedication to social impact and resource efficiency. These principles are the foundation for the Centre for Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness, designed by Indian architecture practice, The Purple Ink Studio, which embodies the institution’s values through thoughtful architecture that is in harmony with its environment.

The studio, established in 2011 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, by Aditi Pai and Akshay Heranjal, is a multifaceted practice known for its non-linear, contextual approach. Their ethos focuses on architecture that is free yet bound, exuberant yet layered, liberated yet deeply rooted. In designing this project, the Indian architects are pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking to create a space that reflects the spirit of its context and surroundings.

Situated within TAPMI’s 40-acre residential campus, the Centre for Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness occupies a 5,000 sq.ft. site on a hillock overlooking a lush valley. Surrounded by forested canopies and academic blocks, the site is encircled by a winding road that follows the terrain’s natural contours. This setting informed the design team’s approach to creating spaces that integrate seamlessly with their surroundings.

The project’s design evolved from a central question: Could academic spaces transform beyond their primary function to become vibrant community hubs? The program includes classrooms, administrative areas, workshops and a small cafeteria, all accommodated in a two-level structure. However, the design goes beyond fulfilling functional needs, aiming to create spaces that remain engaging and active even after academic hours.

At the heart of the centre is Angala, an open amphitheatre that blurs the boundaries between the building and its environment. Positioned to connect seamlessly with the adjacent road, Angala fosters openness and interaction, establishing itself as a dynamic gathering space. Its design encourages community engagement and extends the building’s functionality beyond conventional classrooms.

The terrace design is one of the most innovative aspects of the project. Typically underutilised in the region due to heavy rainfall, the terrace has been reimagined as an adaptable space that introduces a new dimension to the building. Stepping the terrace down to follow the natural slope becomes an organic extension of the landscape, fostering a deeper connection between people, terrain and structure. Drawing inspiration from traditional Indian chhatris—bamboo sunshades that grace the ghats (steps) along the riverbanks of the Ganga in Varanasi—the terrace features a network of parasols crafted in collaboration with local artisans. These elements provide shelter while celebrating cultural continuity and craftsmanship.

The studio reflects on the deeper significance of this element to STIR, stating, “These ‘chhatris’ are slowly becoming a dying art, given the complex process of weaving and the issue of deterioration of the materials used. With the idea of rekindling the emotional and cultural memory associated with it, those at TAPMI are larger and form a canopy for a congregation. The project aimed to go beyond the use of a certain material or space. It was a conscious effort to empower craftsmen and preserve traditional knowledge. Promoting circular economy and social sustainability, ensuring that the craft is carried forward to future generations informed the decisions.”

This approach addresses climate changeand bridges the gap between tradition and modernity. The covered terrace offers a versatile space for learning, relaxation and community activities, extending the functionality of the building far beyond its walls. It reflects a broader commitment to sustainable design, incorporating traditional techniques into a contemporary context while empowering future generations of artisans.

The building’s integration with the land is another defining feature of its design. Rather than imposing a rigid separation, the structure extends outward, blending with the natural landscape. Bridges, ramps and stepped terraces connect the building to different levels of the terrain, enhancing accessibility and usability. This design fosters a sense of continuity between the building and its environment, inviting exploration and interaction.

The absence of a main door or formal entry further emphasises the building’s openness. Multiple access points reinforce its role as a communal space, ensuring that it remains active and inviting throughout the day. Even after academic hours, the centre hosts various activities, serving as a vibrant hub. This fluidity reflects the vision of academic spaces as democratic and inclusive environments.

The interior design celebrates rawness and tactility, with materials selected to reflect the project’s emphasis on cultural heritage. Engaging local craftspeople and traditional methods, the design ensures that the building’s materials and techniques connect with the region’s identity. This approach not only preserves craftsmanship but also creates a space that feels both contemporary and rooted in tradition. When STIR inquired about the considerations guiding the material choices, the duo shared, “We envisioned the building interiors as an extension to the core ethos of the building. We desired for every material to age gracefully and respond authentically to the environment. The evolving patina of the surfaces creates an evolving narrative that fosters curiosity and has many stories to share.

The project reflects a vision that integrates infrastructure, landscape and community spaces, embodying a uniquely Indian narrative. Drawing from the wisdom and timeless stories of the past, the architects see academic spaces not as static entities but as transformative contributors to the urban fabric. By redefining the role of educational spaces, it blurs the lines between learning and living, creating environments that nurture curiosity, celebrate culture and inspire a deeper sense of community.

Project Details

Name: Centre For Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness for TAPMI
Location: Manipal, India
Typology: Academic / Institution
Architect: THE PURPLE INK STUDIO
Area: 1160 sq m
Year of Completion: 2024