Description

Vijayanagar works, the flagship plant of JSW Steel Ltd, located at Toranagallu, Bellary district, is India’s largest integrated steel plants. The brief called for consolidating various administrative activities located in different areas of the plant at a single location for better administrative purpose.

The site earmarked was open linear parcel, near the Plants main gate. Three sides of the parcel had a good cover of mature trees, while the south east side housed a mixed use centre, planned in a re-purposed erstwhile storage warehouse. The mixed used centre comprised of the R&D centre, an experience centre, training centre and library.

Architecture Rooted in Context and Scale
The project draws its inspiration from the architectural grammar of nearby Hampi, 35 kms away. Particularly its colonnaded walkways, defined arrival courts, and climate-responsive planning. These references inform the spatial strategy, where generous, multi-scalar open courts form the compositional anchor of the precinct. They orient movement, frame views, and reinforce a pedestrian-first environment. The court-centric layout ensures all primary functions engage with a shared open space, strengthening visibility and cohesion across departments.

The central avenue of the plant connects to the arrival court of this precinct. The court primarily links the administrative offices on its left, the existing multipurpose centre on its right and the common facilities centrally. By integrating and aligning closely with neighbourhood, the design promotes cross-functional collaboration and strengthens the plant’s internal ecosystem. Parking areas for employees are restricted at the main gate and on the north east side of the multiuse centre, reinforcing the idea of a pedestrian first environment.

The new administrative block is further articulated in set of 3 wings. The arrival wing axis aligns itself with the central arrival court and houses the formal reception.

It further connects to a low strung visitor centre on the south west and the office block at its north east. The scale of the built-form is restricted within the existing tree canopy height.

The office wing is planned as a linear bar, with utility cores planned at either ends. This allows for a flexible floor area overlooking landscape on either sides. Workspaces are largely in an insulated glazed cover, overlook views and are well shaded by localized external screens. The office floor plate is punctuated by a central atrium housing an open stairwell. It enhances the internal engagement of various departments and creates a meaningful pause.

The built-form visual language is defined by restraint: long, clean lines, muted material tones and framed views of the courts and greenery. The result is an administrative block that integrates into the campus with calm authority.
The landscape strategy reinforces the architectural intent, integrating ecological elements as active spatial infrastructure. Existing trees are preserved. Invasive tree species were cleared and planted indigenous species which would flourish and reclaim in few years. Materials used in the construction of the complex were aligned to the sustainability goals and responsibly consumed.
Balancing regional sensibilities with contemporary corporate needs, the New Administrative building enhances the workspace typology of JSW Vijayanagar. It presents a model for context-sensitive architecture, one that prioritizes clarity, ecology, and collaboration. The result is an enduring campus environment rooted in place, performance, and purpose.

Credits & Recognition