vir.mueller architects

This was an invited competition entry for a new campus for the National Council for Applied Economic Research, a think tank at the forefront of economic policy research in India, at the site of an existing building designed by a prominent Delhi architect in the 70s.The design proposed the creation of an exemplary civic landmark, appropriate for a significant urban presence and one that strives to reflect the growing stature of the Indian economic model on the world arena.. The design also responded to the organizational structure of NCAER at the same time promoting the idea of transparency.

Due to the ongoing functions of the organization, a two phase construction process was proposed as part of the design. The first phase would include an underground parking facility and a new office building, including state-of-the-art offices for the administrators, flexible open office areas for teams of researchers, and formal and informal meeting spaces and amenities located on each floor. A new auditorium along with a central pedestrian plaza would also be built, capable of hosting policy forums and lectures, an occasional film screening or even a concert recital – with ample outdoor space for hosting public events. The second phase would include complete renovation of the existing office building, reconfigured to accommodate program elements such as the library, computer center, media center, café, data center, etc. – linked to the new office building on every level for easy accessibility, and overlooking the new plaza towards the north.

The landscape design integrates the campus with a plaza of paved and green spaces creating opportunities for interaction among the users.