National institute of fashion technology: Varansi/

Abstract

Design institutes today play a significant role in shaping creative industries and cultural economies across India. With the growing influence of design in fashion, textiles, product development, and communication, there is an increasing need for institutions that not only educate but also enable collaboration between academia, craft, and industry. The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is one such institution that fosters design education through specialized courses in fashion, product, and innovation. NIFT has several campuses across India, each contributing to local design ecosystems in unique ways. This thesis focuses on the design of the proposed NIFT campus at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The project was initiated by the Ministry of Textiles and the NIFT Board to support the craft-rich region of Varanasi, known for its traditional craft practices. Located in a city celebrated for Banarasi silk, wooden toys, and various other crafts, the campus holds the potential to become more than just a place for learning—it can serve as a hub for local artisan collaboration, skill exchange, and economic growth. The total site area is approximately 13.5 acres, located in Bada Lalpur, on the outskirts of Varanasi. The objective of the thesis is to propose a design that resonates with the cultural context of the city while addressing the functional requirements of a fashion design institution. The campus integrates academic blocks, studios, and a dedicated artisan collaboration space. The design incorporates passive strategies suitable for Varanasi’s composite climate, such as shaded courtyards, recessed openings, Jaali façades, and the use of locally available materials like brick and sandstone. A key concern in the design process was to establish a meaningful relationship between the built and unbuilt that fosters interaction among students, artisans, faculty, and visitors, while allowing for unplanned encounters and informal learning spaces for students. The campus offers a creative environment where students engage in hands-on exploration, peer-to-peer collaboration, and interdisciplinary learning beyond the traditional classroom. While the space offers artisans access to institutional, its primary intent is to enrich the student experience, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and practical design skills that prepare them for the evolving landscape of design. Keywords: Campus Design, NIFT Varanasi, Design