Patiala: The Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology’s Learning Laboratory has been honored with the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Awards for Excellence 2024.
Designed by McCullough Mulvin Architects in collaboration with Designplus Associates Services, the state-of-the-art facility was recognized for its compelling geometric architecture and innovative design.
Located in Patiala, Punjab, the Learning Laboratory is a dynamic ensemble of three prismatic red Agra stone-clad towers housing a Science Building, Library, and Lecture Theatres.
Rising from a 10-meter-high podium, these towers create a striking visual impact. The design features multi-story atriums with daylight filtered through a stone brise soleil, heavy construction, architectural shading, and natural ventilation. Pools cool the air beneath the canopy, ensuring a comfortable and sustainable environment.
Constructed using local stone and techniques, the red Agra sandstone transforms beautifully under sunlight, with the geometry of the forms suggesting movement and orientation within the campus.
The podium at the first-floor level provides a stark setting to the tower’s formal structure, with the buildings resembling geological formations in scale and material.
The RIBA International Awards for Excellence celebrate innovative architectural projects worldwide, honoring those that push design boundaries regardless of style, complexity, or budget.
Only 22 transformative projects, including Thapar University’s Learning Laboratory, were unveiled as winners this year. Selected by a jury led by Simon Henley and RIBA Local Ambassadors, the winners were declared after on-site evaluations, exemplifying visionary thinking and craftsmanship.
“This award recognizes our commitment to providing state-of-the-art educational facilities,” said Mr. Rajiv Vederah, Chairman of the Board at Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology.
“The Learning Laboratory is more than just a complex of buildings; it’s a beacon of innovation and learning, designed to inspire and facilitate intellectual growth.”
The RIBA International Award for Excellence 2024 is a tribute to the University’s pursuit of creating a world-class learning environment that inspires and empowers its students.
