On World Architecture Day, we examine how India is future-proofing its educational infrastructure through insights from leading experts. Harsh Varshneya of STHAPATI, Saurabh and Akanksha Gupta from Vijay Gupta Architects, and Akbar Bashu, Design Head at IMK Architects in Bengaluru, share their perspectives on innovative designs and sustainable practices that are reshaping learning environments to meet the evolving needs of students and educators.
Harsh Varshneya, Principal Architect at STHAPATI
India’s educational institutions are embracing a new era of infrastructure development, focusing on sustainability and technology. On World Architecture Day, as the demands of education evolve, so must the environments where students learn, fostering adaptive, efficient, and forward-thinking spaces. India is taking proactive steps to ensure that its campuses are not only future-ready but also environmentally and technologically advanced.
A growing emphasis on sustainability is central to India’s future educational infrastructure-proofing. Campuses are integrating green spaces and sustainable practices that promote biodiversity and reduce environmental impact. Green corridors, landscaped areas, and biophilic design principles are replacing traditional hardscapes, offering more than just aesthetic value. These features contribute to ecological balance, creating healthier environments that reduce the overall carbon footprint.
For instance, our redevelopment of Delhi University’s North Campus showcases how modern campuses in India are embracing sustainability. The project incorporates ample green spaces, water conservation measures, and the use of sustainable materials, aligning with the country’s vision for eco-friendly educational spaces. These designs aim to foster a sustainable coexistence between built structures and natural surroundings, creating campuses that reflect inclusivity and ecological balance for the future.
India is also at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies into its educational infrastructure. On World Architecture Day, from smart building systems that optimise energy use to digital platforms that enhance learning, technology is playing a crucial role in transforming Indian campuses. Renewable energy sources, such as solar power, are being employed to ensure sustainability, while smart classrooms equipped with augmented reality (AR) and interactive displays create immersive learning experiences.
India’s approach to future-proofing its educational infrastructure reflects its commitment to creating sustainable, technologically advanced, and student-centric campuses. On World Architecture Day, by integrating green spaces and cutting-edge technologies, Indian institutions are positioning themselves as leaders in the global education landscape. On World Architecture Day, these efforts not only enhance the learning experience but also contribute to the nation’s broader goals of sustainability and innovation, ensuring that the next generation is well-equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.
Akbar Bashu | Design Head – Bengaluru, IMK Architects
India is actively future-proofing its educational infrastructure by addressing key areas that ensure resilience and adaptability. On World Architecture Day, central focus is research and innovation, where universities are encouraged to explore regional and global issues through creative teaching and research. Financial support from the public and private sectors is essential in fostering this innovation, positioning Indian institutions as contributors to global educational advancements.
Skill development is equally important, with a strong emphasis on aligning education with industry needs. Vocational training programs and the integration of soft skills such as communication and problem-solving prepare students for an ever-evolving job market. The education system produces a workforce with practical and adaptable skills by bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Photo Credits: Niveditaa Gupta
Teacher training also plays a vital role in modernising education. On World Architecture Day, continuous professional development is being emphasised to help educators adopt new teaching methods and technologies and ensure they remain effective in delivering engaging and relevant learning experiences.
In terms of infrastructure, investments are being made to upgrade facilities with smart classrooms, digital tools, and modern libraries. These improvements foster interactive and collaborative learning environments, giving students access to cutting-edge resources that support active engagement and innovation.
Finally, encouraging public-private partnerships can bring industry expertise into educational institutions. On World Architecture Day, these collaborations can enhance curricula with real-world insights, and by leveraging the resources and knowledge from the business sector, Indian institutions will be better equipped to meet future educational challenges.
This comprehensive approach not only addresses the immediate needs of the educational system but also ensures that it remains resilient and adaptable to the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Akanksha Gupta from Vijay Gupta Architects
In a world driven by rapid technological advancements, one must ask: Is our current educational infrastructure sufficient to keep pace? Is India adequately preparing for the challenges ahead? The answer, unfortunately, is no.
What Does Future-Proofing Mean?
To future-proof something is to prepare it for the inevitable challenges of tomorrow. In India, one such challenge is population growth. With a population of 1.4 billion, there is mounting pressure on critical resources such as land, water, and even clean air. These resources are becoming increasingly scarce, and addressing this crisis is essentially the first step to future-proofing our infrastructure.
As technology continues to evolve, it is gradually becoming an inseparable part of our daily lives. In the near future, technology will integrate even more seamlessly, transforming how we live and work. Along with this, sustainability is a critical factor. The growing awareness of environmental issues means that sustainability will no longer be a choice but a necessity. It is no longer sufficient to simply acknowledge these concerns; we must actively address them in order to build a future that is both resilient and sustainable.
Only by addressing these key aspects—technological integration, sustainability, and resource management—can we hope to future-proof our systems.
Future-Proofing Educational Infrastructure
When it comes to education, future-proofing our infrastructure means reconsidering its fundamental purpose. On World Architecture Day, educational spaces exist to empower children with knowledge and provide them with opportunities to reach their full potential. However, as our population grows, the resources available to support these objectives become increasingly strained. This imbalance raises the critical question: how can we provide meaningful educational opportunities amidst the constraints of limited resources?
In today’s world, education is no longer an isolated entity. The rise of automation and artificial intelligence is reshaping entire industries, and the education system must adapt to prepare children for this new reality. Our schools must move beyond test-based, result-oriented models and foster critical thinking and creativity—skills that cannot be automated.
A major challenge with our current infrastructure is its significant underutilisation. On World Architecture Day, most educational spaces are only in use for a fraction of the day, leaving them largely empty after school hours. This underuse represents a substantial waste of resources, especially in a world where maximising efficiency is key to sustainability. This gap can be bridged with effective use of the latest technological advances. To truly future-proof our educational infrastructure, we need to rethink our spaces and expand their purpose.