architectural photos – Kurukshetra University

Kurukshetra University – 1963

Kurukshetra University, located in the state of Haryana, near Delhi, was a major AAJ project. The core of the university consists of the blocks originally built by AAJ. These include the Sciences and Language Departments which are long structures with a common internal corridor and classrooms on either side. A variation on this theme is the Arts Block which has stepped classrooms as evidenced by the staggered windows visible from the outside.

Academic Block – Kurukshetra University

Ground Floor Plan - Science Faculty (Physics) — Ground Floor Plan – Science Faculty (Physics)

Ground Floor Plan - Science Faculty (Botany) — Ground Floor Plan – Science Faculty (Botany)

Arts Faculty – Kurukshetra University

AAJ uses the play of heights for the Arts Faculty Building. The staggered façade penetrations create a dynamic appearance for the exterior of the building. They also provide diffused lighting and natural ventilation.

Staggered Windows At Arts Faculty Building

Facade - Jaali Design — Facade – Jaali Design

Facade - Terra Cotta Jaali Detail — Facade – Terra Cotta Jaali Detail

Dining Hall & Guesthouse – Kurukshetra University

The geometric variety seen in the design is dynamic and provocative. AAJ played with circular arches, U-shaped arches and rectangular wall penetrations.

Guest House - Elevation — Guest House – Elevation

Guest House - Exterior Facade Arches — Guest House – Exterior Facade Arches

Dining Hall - Exterior Jaalis — Dining Hall – Exterior Jaalis

Library Block – Kurukshetra University

The most iconic block is the library, located at the heart of the campus. It is a square block with colonnades and screens on all four sides, featuring large double-height reading spaces.

Ground Floor Plan - Library — Ground Floor Plan – Library

Student Housing Block – Kurukshetra University

Primary School

Cyrus Jhabvala
Architect | Teacher | Artist
Designed by Alex Behnke