parasols crown communal hub in india by the purple ink studio

The Purple Ink Studio redefines academic spaces with TAPMI Center

Bangalore-based architecture firm The Purple Ink Studio unveils the Center for Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness with a transformative approach to academic architecture within the verdant 40-acre campus of TAPMI business school in Manipal, India. Set against a backdrop of forested valleys, the 465-square-meter center aims to bridge the gap between academic and social spaces, reimagining the campus building as a communal hub.

At the heart of the project is Angala, an open amphitheater that connects with the adjacent road, acting as a porous hub for interaction. Above, the terrace—a typically underutilized feature in this rain-prone region—is transformed into a multifunctional space. Drawing inspiration from the chhatris—traditional canopies found along Varanasi’s ghats, known for hosting communal and cultural activities—the design team incorporates bamboo parasols crafted by local artisans. These modular structures provide shelter and signify cultural continuity, creating a space where students and the broader community gather and engage with each other.

all images by suryan//dang, courtesy of The Purple Ink Studio

A transformative model for future campuses in india

Manipal, a coastal town in southern India, has grown into an academic hub since its establishment in 1953. With students comprising over half of its population, the town faces the challenge of balancing rapid urbanization with the need for shared spaces.

The TAPMI Center, envisioned by the team at The Purple Ink Studio, addresses this imbalance by creating an open and inclusive space that allows collaboration and engagement beyond conventional academic hours. Encircled by a road that winds through the terrain, the site is strategically positioned to frame views of the surrounding campus and lush green canopies. Rather than imposing on the site, the building extends its accessibility through bridges, ramps, and open spaces, connecting different levels of the terrain. Its west-facing amphitheater, alive with activity from day to night, hosts workshops, classes, and discussions, while the parasols above appear as an extension of the tree canopy. During monsoons, the center evokes the sensation of walking beneath trees.

a road borders the site, with the building oriented along the site’s edge

raw materials and traditional crafts compose the project

The Purple Ink Studio prioritizes sustainability through ecological considerations and by celebrating local craftsmanship. Raw, tactile material, such as red oxide flooring and bamboo, and traditional methods preserve regional craft traditions through the TAPMI Center for Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness. By empowering local artisans and supporting cultural continuity, the project redefines sustainability as a vision encompassing social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. The landscape of the project itself becomes a productive layer, fostering ownership through activities like growing food, harvesting, and sharing.

Devoid of entry points or main doors, the TAPMI Center embodies openness and accessibility, encouraging continuous use beyond academic hours. It redefines academic spaces as vibrant community hubs, fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and cultural exchange.

landscape seen at the lower level abutting the small water channel that passes alongside the site