AKSHAY URJA BHAWAN(HAREDA)

Akshay Bhawan is a government building located in the city of Chandigarh,

India. It was designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier and completed
in 1965. As a civil engineer, my perspective on the building is focused on its
structural and functional aspects.
Firstly, the building's structural design is notable for its efficient use of
reinforced concrete. The reinforced concrete frame is a durable and strong
structure that provides resistance to earthquakes, making it a popular choice
for high-rise buildings. The building's shape is also important as it has a unique
Y-shaped plan, which provides more natural light and ventilation to the interior
spaces.
The building's foundation is another crucial element of its structural design.
The foundation consists of a deep pile foundation, which is necessary for
supporting the building's weight and resisting any potential soil settlement. The
deep foundation system helps to distribute the weight of the building evenly,
preventing any localized failure of the foundation.
In terms of functionality, Akshay Bhawan serves as the headquarters for the
Punjab and Haryana High Court. Therefore, it was designed with specific
requirements in mind, such as the need for a secure and private environment.
The building has several levels, with each level serving a specific purpose, such
as courtrooms, administrative offices, and public spaces.
The building's design also incorporates elements of modernism, such as the
use of glass and exposed concrete, which adds to the aesthetic appeal of the
building. The use of glass in the facade allows natural light to enter the
building, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The exposed
concrete adds to the building's durability, as it is resistant to weathering and
erosion.
The building also incorporates several sustainability features, such as a
rainwater harvesting system, which collects rainwater and stores it for later
use. The system helps to conserve water, reducing the building's overall water
usage.
In conclusion, Akshay Bhawan is a notable example of modernist architecture
and engineering, designed to meet specific functional requirements while
incorporating sustainable features. Its efficient use of reinforced concrete and
deep foundation system ensures its stability, while its unique Y-shaped plan
and use of glass and exposed concrete add to its aesthetic appeal.
The Department of Renewable Energy/HAREDA, has constructed its office
building “Akshay Urja Bhawan” on an institutional plot measuring one Acre, at
sector 17 Panchkula. The building will have the covered area of about 55,000
sq. Ft.
This building is one of its kind in the country in having Energy Autonomy by
incorporating the latest and futuristic energy efficient concepts. It is the first
building in the Government sector which is being constructed in Compliance
with the Energy Conservation Building Codes (ECBC). Moreover this building
also comply with the 5 star rating, which is the highest rating of GRIHA rating
systems for Green buildings of Govt. of India.
This building has been constructed based on solar passive design techniques
having Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) system of 42.50 KW capacity,
Solar Chimney, evaporative cooling, cavity walls, Use of Fly ash based bricks
water recycling and Energy Efficient Lighting etc.
The incorporation of these features has resulted in achieving an internal
temperature of about 28 deg. Centigrade without Air Conditioning. The energy
consumption in this buildings is estimated to be about 15 kWhr/m2/year in
comparison to the consumption of about 200 kWhr/m2/year for the existing
air conditioned buildings.
No municipal water supply is required after the first monsoon with the 6.5 lacs
litre underground tank that has been optimized for rainwater harvesting and
consumption pattern of the building.
This is the one of its own kind of building with 25% reduced lighting energy
need and Annual Energy Consumption at 3.48 units per sq. ft. against 18.5
units per sq. ft. of a conventional building.

Submitted by:- Bishal Mandal

Reg No:- 12200935
Section:-C2201
Roll No:-1