Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee

Institutional

After Roorkee College became IIT, Roorkee, in 2001, the need for a new library facility was felt. With its extant plethora of materials – 9,000 archived and out-of-print documents, over 7,000 online journals, 3,20,000 documents, and much more – a new, state-of-the-art central library and computer centre, with a combined area of 1,00,000 sq. ft., was designed and completed in 2007. The building functions on fiber-optic network technology and has sophisticated IT facilities. As one ascends the steps to the library, they are engulfed with a feeling of veneration. Muted tones of the sandstone material used for the building’s exterior blend well with the extensively landscaped campus, making the built form a natural extension of its surroundings. The edifice is nestled in a dense greenscape, ensuring a peaceful environment for its students. The water and green in the landscape help soften the imposing demeanour, moulding it into an iconic architectural ensemble.