Foster+Partners has unveiled images for a new masterplan in the new administrative capital of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, India, which will focuse on a new governmental complex with rounded hat-like roof and stepped roof form High Court complex.

Currently, Sir Norman Foster visited Andhra Pradesh to oversee the next stage of design development of the governmental complex and met Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to discuss details of the project.

View from Foster's masterplan

Foster's Amaravati complex will be a central focus of the 217-square-kilometre city, including the design of two key buildings: Legislature Assembly and High Court Complex, along with several secretariat buildings.

View from the interior of the Legislature Assembly building - features a big entrance and exhibition hall surrounded by swirling lines

"We are delighted to be working with the Chief Minister and the Government of Andhra Pradesh to help them realise their ideas for the People’s Capital and to build a clear and inspiring vision for the governmental complex at Amaravati," said Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman, Foster + Partners.

"The design brings together our decades-long research into sustainable cities, incorporating the latest technologies that are currently being developed in India," he added.

A mixed-use quarter structured around 13 urban plazas, signifying the 13 state districts

"The new administrative capital of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati was born following the redefinition of state boundaries between Andhra Pradesh and the newly created state of Telangana, added the firm. 

The new complex is situated on the banks of the River Krishna, and it is strategically positioned to benefit from an abundant supply of fresh water, and will be one of the most sustainable in the world. 

View from the High Court complex that will feature a stepped roof

Measuring 5.5 kilometres x 1 kilometre, the governmental complex occupies the heart of the city, defined by the strong urban grid that structures it. A clearly defined green spine runs through its length, providing the foundation of the masterplan’s environmental strategy, where at least 60% of the area is occupied by greenery or water. 

View from the entrance of the High Court complex

Aiming to follow the highest standards of sustainability, the complex will include the widespread use of solar energy. The plans will also features a specific transportation strategy, including electric vehicles, water taxis, and dedicated cycle routes, along with shaded streets and squares that will encourage people to walk through the city.

"Travelling south from the river’s edge, there is a mixed-use quarter structured around 13 urban plazas, signifying the 13 state districts in Andhra Pradesh," explained the firm.

View from the general masterplan

The Legislative Assembly building, situated at the centre of the green spine, will be a democratic and cultural symbol for the people of Andhra Pradesh. It sits within a large freshwater lake, and is framed by the Secretariat and cultural buildings, while the High Court Complex is located off the central axis, with a stepped roof form inspired by India’s ancient stupas.

All images courtesy of Foster + Partners

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