--- title: "University & Academic Environments Design by RMA Architects" description: "RMA Architects creates climate-responsive University & Academic Environments. We design flexible campus infrastructure and institutional buildings that foster collaboration, learning, and connection." canonical: https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/university-academic-environments last_updated: 2025-08-21 --- # University & Academic Environments Tribe Verified · Institutional projects across IIM and CEPT campuses. By [RMA Architects](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects) · Takes projects across India; Visit office in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai · ₹400 per sq. ft. of Built-Up Area (estimate) Part of [Institutional & Cultural Architectural Design](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/gallery) Designing flexible academic spaces that foster learning, collaboration, and community through climate-responsive, context-driven architecture. ## Photos and videos - ![The campus of Ahmedabad University is designed as a seamless extension of its verdant landscape. Walkways and buildings are carefully sited among existing trees, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment that encourages movement and connection with nature.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/132acdea-b780-4c54-925a-7c2ec1c12473) - ![An open, ground-floor plinth at the School of Arts and Sciences at Ahmedabad University serves as a versatile social space. The minimalist design, with its robust concrete columns and integrated seating, provides a place for students to gather, study, and relax.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/19b1a561-5d12-4e38-928d-42a166b14ab1) - ![Multi-level circulation spaces within the School of Arts and Sciences are designed to be active social zones. The interplay of stairs, bridges, and open corridors creates visual connections between floors, promoting a sense of community and shared academic purpose.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2372b226-6798-4d88-926b-27be35f9715f) - ![The main staircase at the JSW School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad is more than just a means of vertical circulation. It is a grand social condenser, a place for informal meetings and chance encounters that are vital to academic life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2a1a46ed-d3d9-428a-86b6-f55568c297c0) - ![The partly subterranean design of the Lilavati Lalbhai Library at CEPT University responds to both climate and context. By building below ground, we minimized the visual impact on the historic campus while creating naturally cool, insulated spaces for the collection.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2a71e4b0-95c8-4858-b081-efef2fda11ed) - ![A view of the primary circulation spine at the JSW School of Public Policy, showcasing the use of raw concrete, a bold red feature wall, and a generous staircase to create a dynamic and engaging institutional interior.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2b084f7b-c038-4fbe-a181-3cd56253ca51) - ![The North Canteen at CEPT University is conceived as an open-air pavilion nestled within the campus landscape. The design prioritizes natural ventilation and shaded outdoor seating, creating a comfortable and popular gathering spot for students and faculty.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2f8abf53-2026-4ce7-b1d0-8577e661c674) - ![An institution of higher education in Ahmedabad where the Arts and Sciences converge. The building's facade, with its layers of glass, terracotta screens, and rooftop gardens, reflects the diverse spaces for exploration and interaction within.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3e496e98-c0dc-4eaf-b360-42fea647d84e) - ![A wide, light-filled corridor at the JSW School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad. The extensive use of glass and terracotta jaalis allows for natural light and ventilation while framing views of the surrounding campus.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3e7d760f-118d-42b0-996a-a39ad551da7b) - ![The facade of the Lilavati Lalbhai Library at CEPT University features operable wooden louvers. This system allows users to modulate the amount of natural light entering the building, providing thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/408f9fcf-dca3-4106-a70f-4c41d99d37d6) - ![Dappled light filters through the trees and onto the covered veranda of a multi-use pavilion in Ahmedabad. This transitional space blurs the boundary between inside and outside, offering a shaded retreat that is connected to the surrounding landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5a598ee8-d04c-466c-8472-bcb42cccb456) - ![Reflections on the glass facade of the Lilavati Lalbhai Library merge the new structure with the historic context of the CEPT University campus. This visual layering connects past and present, a key principle in our approach to institutional design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5a68db7d-c7ee-492c-a168-fc6a58a52dc1) - ![A lightwell brings greenery and natural light into the heart of the School of Arts and Sciences at Ahmedabad University. These internal gardens improve air quality and provide a visual connection to nature for students in adjacent classrooms and labs.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/61a1ba58-bb50-4b5e-b2b4-532ff86c230c) - ![A view from within the Lilavati Lalbhai Library, looking out into the campus courtyard. The design uses large glass panels and open sightlines to ensure the subterranean spaces feel connected to the outdoors and the life of the university.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/688e44a5-5d99-4b8b-acb5-9f87d139e124) - ![The interior of the JSW School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad is defined by a clear material palette and a focus on creating interconnected spaces. This image shows the main staircase and circulation area, designed to encourage student interaction.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6a266e04-b9a7-416e-890a-d2691f9692fb) - ![An accessible ramp provides an alternative route to the upper level of the CEPT University Canteen. Our commitment to universal design ensures that all spaces are welcoming and easily navigable for everyone.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6b50c98f-9b10-49c1-aa3a-3fb5054bf372) - ![The interior of the CEPT University Canteen features long communal tables and benches made of simple, durable materials. The design creates a functional and robust space for dining and socializing, with natural light filtering in from the open sides.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/70b7db80-db2e-4a4f-8f31-70c163cfcd70) - ![The architecture of Ahmedabad University is set within a carefully sculpted landscape of rolling green lawns and mature trees. The building appears as a quiet, considered backdrop to the natural environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/765e2393-0e64-4303-9817-6253004c9669) - ![A view through an opening in a concrete wall at the Lilavati Lalbhai Library reveals the complex, multi-layered interior. This framing device creates a sense of depth and invites exploration of the spaces within.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7b09c9a0-5f21-4a1f-87de-d369c70e5504) - ![The interior of the School of Arts and Sciences at Ahmedabad University uses bold blocks of color to define different functional zones and create a vibrant, stimulating atmosphere for learning.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7fa525e6-bb86-4040-a95b-1dc04faa798d) - ![The circulation corridor at the JSW School of Public Policy is animated by the rhythmic pattern of light filtering through the facade's terracotta screens. This space is designed for movement and informal social exchange.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/81eec70b-33aa-40db-adda-38b2a61098de) - ![An auditorium-style tiered seating area at the JSW School of Public Policy provides a flexible space for lectures, presentations, and group discussions. The design uses natural materials like stone and wood to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/83f2a7c5-96ca-41f6-8c05-8f5dd1a0b7ae) - ![A monumental staircase at Ahmedabad University's School of Arts and Sciences serves as a central organizing element. Punctuated by colorful, deeply recessed windows, it is both a functional circulation path and a powerful architectural statement.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/86f208f7-48b7-49ac-b7d5-f3d733cb080a) - ![A student browses the collection in a quiet aisle of the Lilavati Lalbhai Library. The integration of structure and shelving, along with warm, indirect lighting, creates an environment conducive to focused study and research.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/88f87dca-dc9f-4d70-98b8-bc973011dfab) - ![The grounds of the JSW School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad provide ample space for recreation and relaxation. The building's facade, with its pattern of solid and void, serves as a backdrop to the active campus life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8caed473-d879-45a1-807f-181b9426775f) - ![A quiet study carrel at the Lilavati Lalbhai Library, carved into a niche of wood and concrete. A narrow skylight washes the raw concrete wall with natural light, creating a serene and contemplative space for individual work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/988a3a3c-f462-43ab-a23e-38191e25de3f) - ![The JSW School of Public Policy is integrated into the landscape through the use of earth berms and sunken portions. This approach helps to modulate the building's temperature and root it firmly in its site.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/abbcbb1e-5ba3-4ded-9e31-65dcaeb09747) - ![The play of light and shadow in a stairwell at the JSW School of Public Policy. The simple, robust materials of concrete and steel are elevated by the careful consideration of how natural light enters and moves through the space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ada35fe2-8db2-47d3-a4d9-5f6dd74407ca) - ![Stripes of sunlight pattern the floor and wall of an interior space at the JSW School of Public Policy. This effect is created by overhead louvers, a key element of our climate-responsive design strategy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b2ac9fd5-5199-4100-9b3b-782032170c38) - ![The facade of the School of Arts and Sciences at Ahmedabad University, seen through a frame of lush green trees. The building's material palette of concrete and terracotta complements the natural surroundings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b90977d2-b47a-436c-b602-ef94ee4ee1cd) - ![A view of the CEPT University Canteen showing the transition from the open ground floor to the lighter pavilion structure above. The design allows for flexibility, accommodating various uses over time.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bfbe0618-4965-4a72-90e8-10bf3e7cd6a3) - ![Afternoon light cascades across layers of ramps within the School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad. The ramp system creates a continuous, accessible path through the building, fostering a sense of dynamic movement.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c2975a07-1df7-4cae-8e47-b2bfb8163f4d) - ![A historic 1937 building by Atmaram Gajjar is given new life as the Amrut Mody School of Management. Our conservation-centric approach synthesized the existing structure with a new landscape design to create opportunities for adaptive reuse.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ca50621c-0387-4c13-9169-f3c2025f48c4) - ![The grand entrance hall of the School of Arts and Sciences at Ahmedabad University. The use of a monumental staircase, double-height spaces, and bold color accents creates a welcoming and impressive point of arrival.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ca7ba53a-a5fa-4304-b7ed-b987040166c8) - ![The underside of a grand staircase at the JSW School of Public Policy reveals its structural logic. The blue steel cladding contrasts with the raw concrete, highlighting the different material components of the design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cec199c0-d4e4-4df8-9760-61b1f78ee9b9) - ![An upper-level reading area in the Lilavati Lalbhai Library offers views out to the campus through a screen of wooden louvers. This space provides a quiet zone for study while maintaining a connection to the surrounding environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d47a482e-f002-442b-ae62-0faf5e60f95c) - ![The landscape design for the JSW School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad incorporates gentle mounds and preserved trees. This creates a soft, natural foreground that contrasts with the building's clean architectural lines.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dd6f751e-82b9-4250-97e0-f5d3ed93be60) - ![The JSW School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad, viewed from across its recreational lawn. The building is designed to be a part of the active life of the campus, providing a backdrop for both academic and social activities.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e2c141fd-082d-4804-a3e9-dab46f397e49) - ![The accessible ramp leading to the CEPT University Canteen is integrated into the landscape design. It provides a gentle, sloping path that connects different levels of the site, ensuring easy access for all.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eff8b763-91de-4f44-bff7-10f6d775eb54) - ![A view through the stacked levels of the Lilavati Lalbhai Library. The design creates a series of interconnected spaces, allowing for visual transparency between different library sections while maintaining distinct zones for study.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f01b2655-81de-4c6a-bcd8-c8edb6b84739) - ![The CEPT University Canteen is nestled between mature trees, with its structure carefully integrated into the existing landscape. The use of concrete steps and planters helps to merge the building with its site.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f8c41da4-ae78-4266-afb8-cc8d16ba8219) ## About University & Academic Environments We treat academic buildings as social infrastructure rather than static containers. For instance, at the JSW School of Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad, we designed wide circulation spines and oversized staircases. These spaces function as social condensers, creating deliberate opportunities for chance encounters between students and faculty, which extends the learning environment far beyond the classroom walls. Designing for higher education requires a delicate balance between rigid spatial requirements and the need for adaptable environments. We believe that pedagogical infrastructure should be resilient enough to evolve over decades. This is why our campus master planning focuses on 'armature concepts'—flexible structural frameworks that allow functions like laboratories, lecture halls, or administrative hubs to be reconfigured as institutional needs shift. Climate responsiveness is non-negotiable in our approach. We move away from the high-energy demands of sealed glass boxes. Instead, we analyze sun-path and wind patterns to inform the orientation of courtyards and the placement of apertures. Techniques like integrating terracotta louvers, deep-set skylights, and passive ventilation systems allow our buildings to maintain thermal comfort while reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. Materiality plays a defining role in how these spaces are perceived. We frequently utilize fair-faced exposed concrete, which requires high-precision formwork drawings but eliminates the need for external plastering. This honest expression of structure, paired with local materials like Kota stone, creates an environment that feels grounded and permanent. We view every library, canteen, or faculty block as a vital connection point within the wider campus fabric, ensuring that our architectural interventions enhance rather than disrupt the existing landscape. ## About RMA Architects We are RMA Architects, established in 1990 with offices in Mumbai and Boston. We design educational buildings that feel alive and responsive to their surroundings, moving beyond the standard glass box to create spaces where nature and academic life intersect. [See all of RMA Architects's services](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects) ## More from Institutional & Cultural Architectural Design by RMA Architects - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/featured) - [Museums & Art Galleries: Curating Cultural Experiences](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/museums-art-galleries-curating-cultural-experiences) - [The Interplay of Light & Form](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/the-interplay-of-light-form) - [Climate-Responsive Facades](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/climate-responsive-facades) - [Spaces for Connection: Courtyards & Circulation](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/spaces-for-connection-courtyards-circulation) - [The Architect's Craft: Process & Collaboration](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/institutional-cultural-architectural-design/the-architect-s-craft-process-collaboration) ## More services by RMA Architects - [Commercial & Corporate Architectural Design](https://mytribe.in/rma_architects/commercial-corporate-architectural-design) ## Similar work from other experts - [Designing for Higher Learning](https://mytribe.in/mindspacearchitects/educational-institutional-architecture/designing-for-higher-learning) by Mindspace · Educational & Institutional Architecture · Takes projects across India; Visit Design Studio in Sanjayanagara - [Institutional & Civic Architecture Design](https://mytribe.in/mqa_official/urban-design-master-planning/institutional-civic-spaces) by Qutub Mandviwala · Urban Design & Master Planning · Takes projects across India; Visit office in Mahalakshmi, Mumbai - [Educational Institutions: Designing Functional Learning Spaces](https://mytribe.in/enarconsultants/architecture-design/educational-institutions-designing-spaces-for-learning) by ENAR Consultants · Architecture Design · Takes projects across India; Visit office in Sainik Farm, New Delhi - [Sustainable Institutional Campus Architecture Design](https://mytribe.in/edifice_consultants/hospitality-civic-architecture/spaces-for-learning-growth-institutional-campuses) by Edifice Consultants · Hospitality & Civic Architecture · Takes projects across India; Offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru & Delhi - [Institutional and Educational Campus Design](https://mytribe.in/team3_design/commercial-workplace-architecture/institutional-educational-spaces) by Team3 · Commercial & Workplace Architecture · Takes projects across India; Visit studio in Lado Sarai, New Delhi - [Sustainable Architectural Design for Learning Spaces](https://mytribe.in/spasmdesignarchitects/sustainable-climatic-design/spaces-for-learning-community) by Spasm Design · Sustainable & Climatic Design · Takes projects across India; Visit studio in Andheri West, Mumbai ## Book To book RMA Architects, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20discussing%20an%20academic%20project%20for%20University%20%26%20Academic%20Environments.)