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. Foster + Partners has designed the masterplan for the new government complex, which forms the central focus of the 217 square-kilometre city. The project includes the design of two key buildings: the legislature assembly and the high court complex.

The legislative assembly building sits within a large freshwater lake, and is framed by the secretariat and cultural buildings. Based on Vaastu principles, its square plan has the public entrance from the north and the ministers’ entry from the east. The assembly chamber and council hall are in the southwest and northeast corners respectively, with administrative offices in the northwest.

Closely aligned with the ideals of Vaastu, the centre is designed to be a void, akin to a courtyard. Publicly accessible for most of the year, it is a gathering space for the public and their elected representatives. A spiral ramp takes people up to the cultural museum and the viewing gallery from where they can experience democracy in action. The building is sheltered by a 250-metrehigh conical roof with wide overhanging canopy that provides shade while also allowing for cooling breezes to blow through the building.

Designers Include: Brian Owens-Murphy
Practice: Foster + Partners
Appointment: 2016
Completion: In progress
Sector: Civic
Area: 28,390 m2