Words and Photography Foster and Partners.
Sixty percent of the development is covered by water or greenery, and a clearly defined green spine runs through its length, providing the foundation of the masterplan’s environmental strategy.
A ceremony was held to relaunch the Amaravati masterplan, with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu laying the foundation stone to kickstart the project. Amaravati, the new administrative capital of Andhra Pradesh, was established following the redefinition of state boundaries between Andhra Pradesh and the newly created state of Telangana.
Foster + Partners is responsible for designing the central focus of the 217-square-kilometre city, which includes the Legislature Assembly, Secretariat, and High Court Complex.
Chris Bubb, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners, stated,“Today marks an exciting next step for this landmark project. Our design celebrates the heritage of Andhra Pradesh, fosters an accessible and connected green community, and aims to be one of the most sustainable urban developments in the world, incorporating holistic environmental, energy, transportation, and water strategies.”
The Legislature sits within a freshwater lake and will be softly illuminated at night, acting as a beacon for the wider development.
Situated along the banks of the River Krishna, the new city is strategically positioned to benefit from an abundant supply of fresh water. Sixty percent of the development area is covered by water or greenery, with a clearly defined green spine running through its length, forming the foundation of the masterplan’s environmental strategy. The city is designed to the highest standards of sustainability, featuring extensive use of solar energy. The transportation strategy includes electric vehicles, water taxis, and dedicated cycle routes, along with shaded streets and squares to encourage walking.
Measuring seven kilometres in length and one kilometre in width, the governmental complex serves as the city’s heart, defined by a strong urban grid. Moving south from the river’s edge, there is a mixed-use quarter structured around 13 urban plazas, one for each of Andhra Pradesh’s 13 districts. At the center of the green spine stands the Legislative Assembly, which serves as a democratic and cultural focus for the people of Andhra Pradesh. The Assembly is situated within a freshwater lake and is framed by the Secretariat and various cultural buildings. It will be softly illuminated at night, acting as a beacon for the wider development.
The High Court Complex, located off the central axis, features a stepped roof form that reflects India’s ancient stupas. The rooftop solar panels generate all the building’s operational energy, and large fin shades allow fresh air to circulate throughout the complex. At the heart of the building is a vibrant garden that remains open to the elements, providing a social space for both the public and officials alike.
The High Court Complex’s vibrant garden is open to the elements and provides a social space for the public and officials alike.
