Aligarh Muslim University Centre Campus, Perinthalmanna

As Lead Designer at N. M. Salim & Associates

Site Area: 335 Acres | Built-up Area: 3.5 Million Sq. Ft.
2012

The 335-acre site occupies a hillock with expansive views on either side of its principal ridge. The master plan emerged from a close reading of the terrain, seeking to accommodate a large, self-contained university campus while retaining the character of the landscape.

The natural topography establishes the primary order of the campus. Academic and residential precincts are organised along roads that follow the contours, while the plateau at the summit becomes the civic heart of the institution. Shared facilities—including the Prayer Hall, Multipurpose Hall, Indoor Sports Centre, Canteen and Shops—are grouped around this central plateau, creating a common ground for everyday interaction.

More than fifty buildings are arranged within an orthogonal framework that adapts to the changing terrain. The campus is conceived as a sequence of interconnected courts, verandahs and shaded walkways, creating spaces for movement, informal encounters and learning beyond the classroom. These transitional spaces mediate between buildings and landscape, provide shade and climatic comfort, and frame changing views across the site.

Passive environmental strategies, energy-efficient services and renewable energy systems are integrated into the planning. The architecture draws on local materials and the spatial vocabulary of traditional Islamic architecture, interpreted through a contemporary and restrained language. Together, the buildings, landscape and open spaces establish a campus with a strong sense of place, while allowing for incremental growth over time.