Campus Beautification 3 - Sacred Gardens in Humanities and Sciences Block

Description

Transforming historic courtyards into landscaped “Sacred Gardens” with eco-workspaces, lecture courts, and exhibition. A unique blend of ecology, learning, and community that moves education beyond classrooms.

Focus: To create inviting spaces where students and faculty can unwind and connect — featuring eco-work zones, outdoor classrooms, and open exhibition areas. The aim is to take learning beyond the four walls, making it more creative, collaborative, and deeply immersive in nature.

Expected Outcome: Enhanced collaboration and creativity through open, nature-integrated learning spaces that promote well-being, relaxation, and informal knowledge exchange among students and faculty.

Expected Budget: 1.5Cr

Scope / Features:

Eco-workspaces
Exhibition & demonstration podiums
Lecture courts
Pathways & seating

1. Eco-Workspaces: Development of seating areas under trees to provide comfortable spaces for study, work, and relaxation. These spaces will be designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural environment, ensuring minimal disruption to existing flora and fauna.

2. Exhibition and Demonstration Podiums: Installation of outdoor exhibition spaces where scholars can display their work. These areas will include stone podiums framed by sculptures, combining art with science to inspire creativity.

3. Lecture Courts: Transformation of a currently neglected courtyard near the Central Lecture Theatre into an outdoor lecture area. This space will serve as a prototype for outdoor classrooms, featuring pathways and seating that encourage interaction and discussion.

4. Pathways and Seating: Creation of defined pathways connecting the courts, providing ease of movement and spaces for informal gatherings. Seating will be installed along these pathways, offering spots for contemplation, conversation, and social interaction.

Expected Outcomes

The Sacred Gardens will stand as living proof of how deeply the IIT Madras community is connected to its natural surroundings. These spaces will invite students and faculty to step outside, to learn and reflect under the shade of trees, and to find moments of calm in the middle of a busy campus. They will become places where friendships grow, ideas take shape, and creativity flourishes. At the same time, the gardens will remain a safe haven for blackbucks, birds, and countless other species — ensuring that future generations inherit not just a place to study, but a campus alive with nature and meaning.