New Delhi: Two proposed buildings at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), including a lecture hall complex and a centre for e-learning and incubation, have come under the scrutiny of Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC), which has sought extensive design revisions before considering the proposals further.The proposals, submitted by Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for formal-stage approval, were found deficient in several areas, including parking provisions, façade treatment, utility planning and the quality of architectural drawings, according to the minutes of DUAC’s Oct 15 meeting.For the proposed lecture hall complex, DUAC called for better planning of assembly spaces, corridors and exits to ensure smoother movement and safer dispersal of faculty and students. The commission observed that the design did not adequately provide areas where students could gather or wait between classes, raising concerns about crowding during peak hours and lecture changeovers.Parking emerged as another major concern. The lecture hall complex proposes 66 equivalent car spaces (ECS), while the e-learning and incubation centre provides 59 ECS, both entirely through surface parking. DUAC noted that this could reduce open and landscaped areas and affect stormwater management, potentially increasing the risk of urban flooding. It advised exploring basement or stilt parking instead.The commission also flagged discrepancies between the architectural drawings and 3D views submitted for both projects. It termed the submissions unsatisfactory and said poor-quality scanned documents made proper assessment difficult.DUAC also sought information on air-conditioning systems and chiller plants, along with plans for concealing plumbing lines, rainwater pipes, DG sets and other utilities.The commission questioned the need for a pedestrian ramp to the upper floors given the availability of lifts at the lecture hall complex. It also sought clarity on the location of the electrical substation and pump room, besides details of toilets and guard houses in both projects.For the e-learning and incubation centre, DUAC sought details of the pergola proposed over the parking area. It also advised shifting artwork proposed on building façades to eye-level locations or landscaped areas, adding that the designs would require prior approval.Architects have been asked to address all observations and submit revised plans.
