Prestige University unveils 97,000 sqm rooftop auditorium designed for extreme heat conditions

A major university construction project in Indore, is drawing international attention for its unconventional rooftop design and climate-responsive engineering. The five-storey academic building features a 97,000 square metre stepped roof that functions as an open-air auditorium capable of hosting approximately 9,000 people.

Constructed in a region where temperatures frequently range between 30°C and 40°C for much of the year, the building integrates passive cooling strategies to address extreme climatic conditions. The rooftop comprises 463 stepped platforms, forming a tiered structure inspired by historic Indian stepwells. These traditional reservoirs featured descending staircases that allowed access to water during drought periods and often served as community gathering spaces.

At Bihar University’s Indore campus, this historical concept has been adapted into a multifunctional academic environment. The rooftop space has hosted lectures, sporting activities and ceremonial events, including Independence Day celebrations.

The structure rises approximately 28 metres and forms part of a 32-acre campus designed to accommodate around 3,000 students. Internal planning distributes shared facilities, classrooms, library spaces and administrative offices across five floors, while the rooftop operates as a primary social and event venue.

To mitigate heat gain, the design incorporates internal courtyards for cross ventilation, perforated façade panels on east, west and south elevations, and a shallow water body at the base of the structure to support passive cooling. These measures reduce reliance on mechanical air conditioning systems and contribute to lower long-term operational energy demand.

The project utilizes reinforced concrete, industrial ash bricks and exposed brick cladding, combined with exposed concrete and local stone finishes internally. By activating the roof as a usable civic platform, conventional academic building typologies and demonstrates a large-scale application of climate-responsive architectural engineering.