Prestige University: Rethinking Campus Roofs

Redefining the Role of Roofs in University Design

In many traditional university buildings, roofs are often seen purely as mechanical spaces, designated to house HVAC units or waterproof membranes, leaving these areas inaccessible for general use or aesthetic purposes. However, there is a growing trend to rethink the role of roofs, not just as infrastructure-supporting spaces, but as elements that can enhance user experience and foster a sense of community on campus.

Multi-Functional Roofs: A Case Study Inspired by History

A notable example of this trend is the design of a large roof transformed into a terraced public space capable of accommodating thousands of people. The roof consists of hundreds of individual elevated platforms arranged in tiers, with openings that allow natural light to reach the lower floors, creating a balance between practical functionality and visual appeal.

The design draws inspiration from ancient Indian heritage, specifically historical stepwells like Chand Baori in Rajasthan, which were not merely structures for water storage but also spaces for social and religious gatherings. Translating this concept to modern roofs demonstrates the ability to integrate practical functions with social activity, allowing the roof to host lectures, events, and various gatherings, rather than restricting it to purely mechanical functions.

The Interactive Value of Roofs in the University Environment

The core strength of this approach lies in redefining the relationship between the building and its surrounding community. The roof is no longer just an invisible upper layer; it becomes a dynamic space serving educational, recreational, and social purposes, while enhancing a sense of belonging and community engagement. It also illustrates how architectural design can transform underutilized spaces into vital elements that enrich the daily experience of students and visitors.

Students walking on the staggered brick terraces of Prestige University under a clear blue sky. — The accessible roof serves as an amphitheater and social hub, encouraging student interaction outside traditional classrooms. (Image © Dinesh Mehta)

Detailed view of the repetitive geometric brick platforms and outdoor seating areas on the roof. — The rhythmic repetition of brick platforms creates a visually stunning landscape that also aids in natural cooling. (Image © Dinesh Mehta)

Architectural Design and Climate Responsiveness

Buildings in hot climates face multiple challenges that go beyond aesthetics, encompassing heat management and user comfort. In an environment like Indore, where temperatures range between 86°F and 104°F for most of the year, terraced building design becomes more than a visual feature; it practically helps reduce intensive vertical circulation for cooling, reflecting a holistic response to the surrounding heat.

Ventilation and Passive Cooling Strategies

The design relies on a series of integrated climatic measures. The continuous sloped interior street along the ground floor enhances natural ventilation throughout the indoor spaces, while perforated fiber-reinforced concrete screens limit heat gain on the eastern, western, and southern facades. A shallow pool at the base of the building provides passive cooling, demonstrating a blend of traditional and contemporary heat management techniques. While each strategy individually is not new, combining them within a single structure creates a comprehensive climatic response that goes beyond mere visual appearance.

Organization of Interior Spaces and Their Functions

The total campus area spans 32 acres, accommodating approximately 3,000 students. Activity on the ground floor centers around social and commercial areas, including a cafeteria with a capacity of 700 people, shaded courtyards, and an indoor hall. The first floor houses a library and a bridge connecting both sides over the passage, while the second and third floors are dedicated to classrooms. The fourth floor contains faculty and administrative offices. This organization reflects careful attention to natural circulation flow and multifunctional spaces that support the academic and social life of students.

Close-up of a person walking across the terraced brick roof, highlighting the scale of the architectural steps. — Every level of the stepped roof is designed to be accessible, creating a vertical park for the university. (Image © Dinesh Mehta)

Top-down view of the courtyard and stepped roof integration at Prestige University. — Internal courtyards and skylights pierce through the stepped roof to bring natural light and ventilation to the lower floors. (Image © Dinesh Mehta)

Materials and Finishing Selection

Material choices in modern buildings remain closely linked to regional context and performance efficiency. For instance, clay bricks cover the exterior structure made of concrete and fly ash bricks, providing durability and sustainability while adhering to local standards. Indoors, exposed concrete harmonizes with sandstone flooring, creating spaces that feel solid and grounded without the need for additional finishes to impart warmth or aesthetic appeal, reflecting a design philosophy focused on essence and functionality.

Passive Strategy as an Architectural Concept

The experience of this building clearly demonstrates the integration of passive strategies in a visible and tangible way. The terraced roof, a prominent exterior feature, is not merely a hidden formal detail but clearly shows how the building can leverage innovative design for heat management and ease of circulation, while providing public spaces for student use.

Applicability in Other Environments

The main question remains whether these strategies can withstand intensive use and harsh climatic conditions, such as the summer heat in Indore. Testing the practical sustainability of the terraced roof in this context could determine whether these architectural ideas are scalable and applicable to other projects, beyond mere formal or aesthetic experimentation.

Interior view of a high-ceilinged atrium with exposed brick walls and concrete beams. — The interior palette of exposed concrete and brick reflects a philosophy of raw, sustainable materiality. (Image © Dinesh Mehta)

Internal courtyard with stone benches and irregularly placed windows in a brick wall. — Small, strategic openings in the brickwork control light intensity and maintain thermal comfort indoors. (Image © Dinesh Mehta)

South facade of Prestige University featuring GRC perforated screens and a stepped silhouette. — Perforated GRC screens on the facade reduce heat gain while maintaining a strong cultural aesthetic. (Image © Dinesh Mehta)

Students walking through the shaded ground floor corridor with view of the upper bridge. — A central bridge connects academic wings, suspended over a naturally ventilated social corridor. (Image © Dinesh Mehta)

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The spatial outcomes on campus arise directly from financial and regulatory pressures: allocating capital to accommodate a high student density, meeting thermal performance requirements according to local climate regulations, and adhering to internal circulation standards imposed to minimize risks, all of which shaped the terraced envelope. Frictions stemming from supply schedules, labor cost fluctuations, and the availability of regional materials resulted in stepped platforms and perforated facades that control sun exposure without adding any optional ornamentation.

The programmatic solution manifests as a multi-level space that balances circulation efficiency with passive cooling, distributing population flows across the terraced platforms while allowing secondary uses such as gatherings and recreational activities. The terraced roof does not represent an aesthetic statement; rather, it is a systematic negotiation between student accommodation returns, climate mitigation, and operational standards, turning the building into a record of policies, capital, and demographic pressures, not the result of creative choice.