STUDENT CENTRE,
MALWA COLLEGE, GIDDERBAHA--
Malwa College for girls is situated on a plot of about 20 acres abutting Chandigarh –Gidderbaha road. The campus is more than four decades old and comprises various components like a Senior Secondary School, a Degree College, a B.Ed College, a Management College, athletic track and a commemorative park.
A recent addition in the college campus is Student Centre which is strategically located on the southern side of the campus so as to be easily accessible from all the college blocks. It is conceived as a hub of recreation for the students when they are free from their classes.
The shape and form of the double-storied building has been evolved in accordance with its location in the campus. The main focus of the design was to capture panoramic view of the campus while sitting in the Centre. The large bay windows together with the shape of the building help in achieving this goal.
The ground floor has been largely kept open from the sides except for the kitchen and the pantry. The informal dining space at the ground being porous in character affords panoramic view of the entire campus. At the upper level there is a commodious indoor hall for sitting and dining. It has been provided with large bay windows on all sides to capture panoramic view of the campus. Two dog-legged staircases at the opposite corners link both the floors vertically. These staircases also provide access to the terrace which is an ideal place for sit-outs during fair weather.
Conscious efforts have been made to bring in sufficient natural light in the interiors. Fenestrations have been judiciously located so that almost all the areas in the building get adequate natural light. Very deep areas, too far away from external windows have been avoided. Architect feels that the Sun is the source of all energy; one should be able to have a glimpse of sunshine outside while sitting inside. This way one remains cheerful throughout the day.Another salient feature of the design is its symmetry and strict geometrical order. As a whole the building is a jewel in the campus and an ideal example of contextual architecture.

2013

2014