Library, Nalanda University

Abstract

Nalanda Mahavihara was the vital platform for scholars, learners, and researchers not only from India but across the world. Worldwide students came on the same platform for learning was the greatest illustration of enlightenment in itself. Nalanda ruins witnesses the various elements of Buddhist architecture. Remains of Nalanda suggest the impeccable existence of Buddhism and Buddhist architecture. Being the library of upcoming Nalanda university, strong historic context follows the designing in the library, which leads the study towards Buddhist architecture. The focus of the study is to design the library building of upcoming Nalanda University incorporating the elements of Buddhist architecture found in ancient Nalanda by integrating contemporary Buddhist architecture that reflects and restore the spirit and the holistic story of Nalanda Mahavihara. This study also focuses on various spaces of the library in design. The thesis report showcases this detailed design methodology from site selection to final design proposals.