Architecture
The great tradition of building in Rajasthan gives as much importance to open space as it does to covered space. This is the way the University buildings have also been planned. Through passive solar control measures, the buildings have been designed to be well lit and free of dust. Following another tradition of Rajasthan, a system of up and down ventilation through vertical shafts has been used, obviating the need for windows for ventilation. The attempt is to set new standards for appropriate construction in this region. Light shelves and skylights have been fitted so as to conserve energy through day lighting. Keeping in mind the University’s basic concept of seamless education, the buildings are planned to allow intermixing of all disciplines and the best use of available resources. The buildings do not belong to individual departments.
Heat & Dust – The Earth Air Tunnel:
The hot and dusty climate of Neemrana demands buildings that will be comfortable through the summer as well as the winter. This is not new architectural knowledge in the region. However, the blending of local energy-efficient traditions into large scale, state-of-the-art buildings in a modern human context, at this campus, is indeed a breakthrough. This is achieved through the earth air tunnel at Neemrana. The buildings are designed and fitted with a low energy cooling system. This system uses only thirty per cent of the energy that a normal air conditioning system would. In this system, fresh air is drawn through a long underground duct laid four metres below the ground, called the earth-air tunnel. Heat exchange with the underground duct cools down the air, which is further treated for temperature, humidity and dust, before it is brought into the building and supplied to every room. This air cools down the rooms and is exhausted through a chimney. The system works with 100% fresh air and maintains a healthy environment inside.