2024 Winner
Category - Architecture - Public & Institutional Building
Aditya Venkat
HabitArt Architecture Studio
HabitArt Architecture Studio is a forward-thinking architectural and design practice led by Principal Architect Aditya Venkat since 2017, founded on the vision of crafting purposeful, sustainable, and contextually attuned spaces.
The studio believes that architecture shapes habits and human behavior. Rooted in thoughtful minimalism, their approach focuses on eco-conscious practices, innovative material usage, and designs that harmonize with nature and culture. Their work reflects a commitment to both functionality and beauty, embracing architecture as a medium for meaningful impact.
Signature projects like The Boulder Farmhouse in Shoolagiri and The National School of Business Academic Block embody the studio’s ethos of integrating built forms with the environment, crafting timeless, human-centered spaces that foster connection and sustainability.
Area: 25000
A Vision Rooted in Simplicity and Functionality
In response to its continued growth, The National School of Business in Bangalore envisioned a new academic block that would not only expand its physical footprint but also reflect its commitment to community, sustainability, and future-ready learning. The brief was ambitious: complete design in just 10 days and construction within a single academic year.
Navigating Challenges with Intelligent Planning
With railway setbacks reducing the usable land, the solution was both efficient and elegant: two distinct wings—academic and faculty—connected by a central open-air spine. This spine acts as both a circulation axis and a social space, linking the existing campus with a lush green buffer, and fostering a sense of openness.
Material and Climate Responsiveness
The project integrates passive cooling strategies, natural ventilation, and abundant daylight, making it both energy-conscious and climate-responsive. A locally sourced brick façade enhances thermal performance while blending seamlessly with the site’s character. A stone plinth at the entrance, shaded by a light metal bridge, provides a strong yet welcoming sense of arrival.
Classrooms were designed for adaptability and comfort, with thoughtful spatial zoning allowing for future vertical and horizontal expansion as the institution grows.
Design That Encourages Interaction
The open spine is more than a connector—it’s a place for gathering, collaboration, and pause, reinforcing the school’s ethos of learning beyond walls. By embracing outdoor spaces and integrating green views, the design creates a vibrant academic environment that promotes well-being and connectivity.
Join the Celebration of Meaningful Architecture
The National School of Business Academic Block exemplifies how contextual constraints can inspire thoughtful, user-centric design.
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