Foster + Partners Sustainable Masterplan for India’s New State Capital

A new masterplanned city, set on the banks of India’s River Krishna, is set to be the world's next sustainable smart city, connected by a central green "spine" that will run through its administrative core.

Amaravati is the new 217-square-kilometre administrative capital of the southeast Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Foster + Partners has designed two key buildings set to be the key focus of the masterplanned city, the Legislature Assembly and High Court Complex, along with several secretariat buildings.

Foster + Partners’ founder Norman Foster met with the chief minister and government of Andhra Pradesh to oversee the next stage of design for the government complex.

“The design brings together our decades-long research into sustainable cities, incorporating the latest technologies that are currently being developed in India,” Foster said.

The governmental complex, spanning 5.5 kilometres by one kilometre, inhabits the heart of the city and is defined by the strong urban grid where at least 60 per cent of the area is occupied by greenery or water.

The legislative building features a distinctly 250-metre-high needle-like roof and sits within a large freshwater lake.

The High Court Complex will feature a steeped mound-shaped roof inspired by India’s ancient stupas, a traditional structure used for meditation. Overhanging roofs will provide shade and natural ventilation.

Foster + Partners say the new city is strategically positioned to benefit from an abundant supply of fresh water.

“The city has been designed to the highest standards of sustainability, including the widespread use of solar energy.

“The transportation strategy includes electric vehicles, water taxis, and dedicated cycle routes, along with shaded streets and squares that will encourage people to walk through the city.”

A mixed-use quarter will include 13 urban plazas, signifying the 13 state districts in Andhra Pradesh.

The city of Amaravati was created following the redefinition of state boundaries between Andhra Pradesh and the newly created state of Telangana.