The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) is a 132 acre city campus and its masterplan is aimed at transforming its campus into a more legible, robust, and patient-friendly environment. The project is crucial not only for enhancing patient care but also for integrating the institution more effectively into the urban fabric of Bengaluru. The masterplan prioritizes non-motorized transport (NMT) mobility, ensuring that pedestrian pathways are safe and accessible, thereby
encouraging walking and cycling within the campus. By enhancing existing wayfinding systems, the project aims to make navigation easier for patients, visitors, and staff alike. Additionally, the plan considers both immediate and future growth needs of the campus, allowing for scalable development that aligns with the evolving demands of mental health services. This strategic approach not only addresses the internal dynamics of NIMHANS but also acknowledges its role within the broader context of the city, fostering a supportive atmosphere conducive to healing and well-being. Ultimately, this masterplan reflects a commitment to creating an environment that is not only functional but also promotes mental health awareness and accessibility in urban settings.
Identifying Existing Conflict Points:
The primary issue identified is that the main road running through the campus disrupts the connection between the Outpatient Departments and the Emergency Block, creating significant challenges for patient safety and mobility. In addition, overlapping circulation paths, the mixing of functional zones, multiple security checkpoints, and unclear entrances further complicate navigation across the campus, making it difficult to orient and move through the space effectively.
Master Planning Strategy:
The Master Planning strategy for the campus begins with clearly defining distinct precincts, which involved redirecting the NIMHANS main road to better integrate critical functions, such as the Outpatient Departments and the Emergency Block. Key considerations also included improving mobility within the campus to make circulation more efficient and convenient. Additionally, the integration of landscape elements was prioritized to enhance wayfinding and overall user experience. Our involvement extends to overseeing the entire process, ensuring that the implementation is carried out efficiently in a phased manner.
Master Plan
The masterplan effectively addresses these concerns by reconfiguring key circulation routes and integrating functional zones for improved connectivity and safety. Additionally, the design enhances wayfinding and user experience through thoughtful landscape integration and efficient spatial organization.
A new OPD (Outpatient Department) block and emergency block are proposed to meet contemporary building standards, enhancing functionality and spatial synergy. These two structures, which share critical interconnections, will be unified through a central green space—a therapeutic creek that serves as both a visual and physical connector. The architectural design language of the buildings will be harmonized, with a cohesive façade treatment that clearly establishes their relationship, fostering a seamless integration between the two. This design approach not only addresses operational needs but also creates a calming, restorative environment.
Wayfinding Strategy
Given the fragmented nature of the campus and the primary critique regarding its lack of navigability, the key strategy was to introduce design elements that enhance the legibility of the various zones and precincts. This was achieved through the integration of portals, an arcade, and cohesive green spaces, which serve to visually and spatially unify the campus and improve wayfinding.
Transport Planning and Mobility
Integral to the masterplanning was the design of movement and mobility within the campus, located in the dense urban context of Bengaluru, to ensure efficient operations. Non-motorized transport has been incorporated to enhance sustainability. The design provides clear separation of pedestrian and vehicular paths, emergency access routes, and parking areas.
In conclusion, the campus master plan enhances functionality, accessibility, and perception, integrating key healthcare services while fostering a welcoming, stigma-free environment. By improving circulation, mobility, and incorporating landscape elements, the design addresses both operational needs and user experience. Our phased approach ensures the campus evolves sustainably, supporting its long-term vision.
