Tata Consultancy Services by Somaya Sampat

The newly developed Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) campus in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, presents a visionary model for workplace design—one that merges sustainability, culture, and landscape into a cohesive architectural narrative. Conceived as a “river reinvented as a workplace,” the campus offers a dynamic environment for nurturing young talent and fostering inclusive growth within India’s expanding digital economy.

A River-Inspired Master Plan

Taking inspiration from the sacred Narmada River, the master plan unfolds in three distinct zones, mirroring the river’s upper, middle, and lower courses. This metaphor informs both the spatial organization and architectural language of the campus.

• Upper Course: The heart of the campus features IT development centers arranged around a central kund (stepped water basin), creating a vibrant nucleus of innovation and collaboration.

• Middle Course: Here, sculptural and fragmented blocks take shape with inclined forms, minimalist façades, and signature triangular accents. These structures reflect movement and flow, much like the shifting energy of a river midstream.

• Lower Course: The site gently transitions into a series of smaller BPO buildings, leading toward the northern edge where an open-air amphitheater is nestled in a lush green landscape—an ideal setting for gatherings, performances, and reflection.

This gradient in form and function fosters a diverse and fluid experience for users, aligning spatial rhythm with natural metaphor.

Cooling Through Nature: Climate-Responsive Design

Located in one of India’s hotter cities, the campus was designed with a clear response to Indore’s intense summer conditions. A primary design challenge was to reduce the urban heat island effect across the expansive site.

The architects deployed a suite of passive cooling strategies:

• Strategically placed water bodies help reduce ambient temperatures naturally, providing both visual and thermal comfort.

• Gravel-lined courtyards and porous surfaces assist in groundwater recharge, while enhancing microclimate quality.

• Native, drought-tolerant vegetation ensures minimal water use and supports local biodiversity.
  Together, these elements create a cooler, more breathable environment, reducing energy consumption while improving user experience.

Green Building Strategies and LEED Goals

Sustainability lies at the core of the campus’s construction and operational strategy. The project was conceived with LEED certification goals and integrates a variety of green construction techniques:

• Use of fly ash in cement and bricks minimizes carbon footprint.

• Double-glazed glass ensures high thermal insulation, reducing HVAC load.

• Solar panels generate renewable energy on-site, aligning with India’s larger push toward energy independence.

These efforts not only reduce the ecological footprint but also future-proof the campus as a low-impact, high-performance business environment.

Rooted in Culture: Craft Meets Technology

Beyond environmental responsibility, the TCS Indore campus embraces cultural continuity. Art and craft are seamlessly woven into its architecture to celebrate India’s rich visual heritage.

A standout feature is the interactive wall inside the cafeteria, adorned with traditional craft forms such as Dokra, Gond, and Warli. These installations do more than decorate—they anchor the cutting-edge workplace in centuries-old narratives of craft, nature, and community, fostering a sense of place and belonging in a high-tech setting.

Architecture and Landscape in Harmony

The buildings are not merely placed within the landscape—they emerge from it. The geometry of the site plan aligns with the flows and edges of the Narmada, as interpreted through architectural massing and landscape contours.

• The material palette reflects the riverine surroundings, while interior spaces borrow their color schemes from natural elements—earth, stone, water, and sky.

• Landscaped corridors act as connective tissue between program zones, while shaded walkways and terraced decks ensure year-round usability.

This synthesis of architecture and ecology turns the campus into a living environment—one that encourages movement, dialogue, and restoration.

A New Benchmark for Corporate Campuses

Functionally, environmentally, and culturally, the TCS Indore campus sets a new standard for corporate infrastructure in India. Its design principles go beyond aesthetics or utility—they are deeply tied to climate awareness, cultural expression, and sustainable innovation.

By drawing inspiration from the timeless flow of a river, integrating passive and active environmental strategies, and honoring local craftsmanship, the campus redefines how a workplace can engage with both place and purpose.

Photographs: Somaya Sampat