The Nirbhaya Centre in Bangalore by Architecture Dialogue stands as a vital part of India’s broader initiative to create safer cities for women and children. Launched by the Indian Government under the “Nirbhaya” initiative—meaning “no fear”—this program includes the installation of CCTV cameras across urban landscapes and the establishment of centres designed for safety to provide immediate support and safety.
The Nirbhaya Centre in Bangalore, which houses a Command-and-Control Centre along with a dial 100 helpline and a counselling space for victims, was the result of a national-level design competition organised by the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru.
A Welcoming Space Design for Safety
The conceptualisation of the Nirbhaya Centre was rooted in the idea of creating a space for safety, rather than just a building, where women and children could feel safe and approach the facility without hesitation. The design aimed to strike a balance between openness and privacy, offering a welcoming environment while maintaining the necessary confidentiality for those seeking help. The use of familiar materials, thoughtful scale, and calming colours was intentional, creating an atmosphere that is both approachable and secure.
The Centre serves as a benchmark for the innovative use of the Nirbhaya Fund, demonstrating how these resources can be channelled into projects that are not only functional but also sensitive to the needs of women—a niche area in architecture that remains largely unexplored.
Sustainable Design and Thoughtful Integration
Located within the Commissioner of Police Bengaluru Campus, the site is directly accessible from Ali Askar Road and benefits from the shade of a century-old raintree. The G+3 structure of the Nirbhaya Centre was envisioned as a sustainable building, with a central atrium that connects all floors both visually and physically, acting as the heart of the facility.
The building’s thick brick walls reduce heat gain, while strategically placed windows facilitate cross-ventilation, enhancing comfort and reducing reliance on air conditioning. The skylit atrium allows natural light to flood the interior, minimising the need for artificial lighting and creating a sense of openness and well-being. This thoughtful integration of design elements ensures that the building remains energy-efficient while providing a secure environment for its occupants.
A Building for Women, Designed by Women
One of the most significant aspects of the Nirbhaya Centre is that it was designed by women, for women. This design for safety captures the intangible feeling of comfort and translates it into a built environment. The central atrium is designed for communal congregation, ensuring that the core of the building remains active and vibrant.
All areas connected to the atrium are either open or have a visual connection to this space, ensuring constant surveillance and interaction. This layout not only promotes a sense of security but also enhances the overall atmosphere of the building.
The atrium’s ample natural light and open design contribute to a feeling of well-being among users. Wayfinding is simplified by the central atrium, which features rising steps and minimizes dark, hidden spaces, further reinforcing the sense of safety.
Contextual Sensitivity and Budgetary Constraints
The Nirbhaya Centre’s design also reflects a keen sensitivity to its surrounding context. The building’s edge is left open with a grill railing, creating a seamless connection with the adjacent pavement and road. This openness further enhances the feeling of security, allowing the Centre to integrate smoothly into its urban environment.
One of the challenges faced during the project was working within a limited budget. To address this, the space for safety minimised fenestration on the façade, opting for controlled openings. Large spaces like the control room and server rooms were positioned on the southwest side of the building, which did not require external openings.
This approach not only reduced heat gain but also allowed for a more cost-effective construction. Transparency was strategically introduced through glass façades facing the main road, strengthening the Centre’s connection with the street.
Functional Zoning and Strategic Layout
The Nirbhaya Centre is divided into two wings, each with a separate entrance but sharing a common arrival space. One wing, known as the Integrated Support Centre for Women and Children (ISCWC), occupies part of the ground floor and the first floor. The other wing, designated as the Command and Control Centre (CCC), includes a range of facilities tailored to its specific functions.
The CCC wing on the ground floor features an entry reception, lounge spaces, and briefing halls for the task force. The first floor houses server rooms and allied services, along with a cafeteria dedicated to CCC staff. The second floor is dominated by a video wall and the Dial 100 helpline, with a double-height space and acoustic enclosure for up to 42 people. The third floor includes the DCP office, which overlooks the video wall, and additional offices for the ACP, Inspector, social media team, and technical support staff.
The ISCWC wing on the ground floor offers separate lounge spaces for women and children, as well as VC rooms, counselling rooms, medical facilities, and staff offices. The upper floor is designed for temporary stays, with dormitories and private rooms, as well as amenities like toilets, a laundry area, a kitchen, and a dining space. Each wing has its own lift and staircases, with movement across the wings restricted to maintain privacy and security.
In conclusion, the Nirbhaya Centre in Bangalore stands as a model of how thoughtful design can create a safe, welcoming, and efficient space for women and children. The building not only meets the immediate needs of its users but also sets a new standard for future projects aimed at enhancing safety and security in urban environments.
Project Information
 Name of the project – Nirbhaya Centre
Location – Ali Asghar Road Bengaluru.
Area of the project – 55,00 sqft
Type – Office building (Government). Winning entry in design competition.
Completed – Year 2003
Architecture Firm – Architecture Dialogue.
Principal Architect – Harpreet Kaur, Vikram Desai, Sreenath Vijayakumar
Design team – Vishnu Mohan, Siddharth Patil
Structural Consultant – Anagha consultant.
MEP consultant – ESVE
Contractor – Hombale Construction
Site in charge – Umesh Kotian
Photography – Shamant Patil