Gera Commerzone by K.Raheja Corp, Pune

Gera Commerzone
by K.Raheja Corp, Pune

Gera Commerzone

By K.Raheja Corp, Pune

Located at Kharadi, Pune, the project is developed as a high-density IT campus with a total construction area of 60,00,000 sq. ft over a contoured site under SEZ zone. It is estimated to accommodate 50,000 people.

A development of such high density required assessment of its impact on neighbourhood as well as the campus. The project integrates key aspects such as transit, security, emergency, user conveniences and experience, crowd management, facility infrastructure through assessment, analysis, research and standard establishment. It provides strategies for efficient interaction between factors of safety, sustainability, user and management conveniences thereby achieving a whole building approach through planning.

"The essence of secure campus design lies in its ability to seamlessly blend safety features with architectural aesthetics. It’s about creating environments that inspire trust and confidence while ensuring the highest levels of protection."
- Norman Foster

Design Principles

The secure campus planning is an emerging and evolving activity. It leads to high responsibility of managing ‘Campus security’ as well as ‘Building safety’.

It is imperative to establish efficient security and safety systems within large office campuses. It results in high intensity transit through security systems during peak hours of the day. It is essential that the campus Security systems respond to high transit population with regional transport pattern.

Technological advancements in the field of security systems are providing diverse facilities which can be integrated into security planning. Space planning combined with technological advancements helps achieve a ‘Secure Campus.’

Design Evolution

ZONE 2: Campus Perimeter

A secured perimeter keeps threats at a distance, thus reducing potential destruction and harm to the building and assets of the campus. The distance between an asset building) and a threat is referred to as the stand-off distance. Depending on the risk anticipation (at visitor plaza, service gates etc.), the perimeter may require secured or unsecured standoff zones. The primary security objective on this perimeter is to deter the criminal from even attempting a breach of the system.

ZONE 1: Neighbourhood / Context

The Neighbourhood includes all surrounding developments, approach roads, mode of transportation and their activities that can influence efficiency of security management by affecting traffic pattern, perimeter intrusion etc. It must be observed how the neighbourhood treats the site including architectural, visual and public-use cues.

ZONE 4: Main Gate to Building Entrance

Enhanced security entails integrating site features, amenities, and furnishings throughout the area. Elements like furnishings, planters, lighting, and vegetation should serve dual purposes, blending seamlessly with the architectural style. Designate weather-protected queuing areas and harmonize security pavilions with the site’s aesthetics. Compartmentalize the campus for effective surveillance design sight lines strategically. Integrate surveillance systems with landscaping, prioritize lighting, signage, and visible badges for monitoring. Ensure clear markings for hazardous areas and implement anti-skid surfaces for safety.

ZONE 3: Gate / Access

Satisfying security requirements can also promote effective access, natural surveillance, and increased convenience for those who use the facility. Site access are the place to detect occupants of campus. Thus, their design must be developed considering efficiency and convenience. They must be designed considering hem being the possible security breach points.

ZONE 6: Building Operations

Modifications to space planning and building operations offer risk reduction without site alterations. Adjusting building programs and layouts boosts security, like relocating high-risk occupants internally. Augmenting security personnel enhances surveillance effectiveness. Design flexibility in building programming and space planning is crucial. Access to sensitive areas should be limited and controlled, potentially through a two-man rule. Ensuring redundancy and physical separation of critical infrastructure, like HVAC and utility systems, is vital. Providing refuge and evacuation options is essential for emergency preparedness.

ZONE 5: Building Perimeter

Strengthening security measures not only enhances overall safety but also deters unauthorized access to HVAC vents and air intakes. Designing emergency egress routes facilitates swift evacuation during crises, while strategic placement of cameras and light fixtures maximizes visibility Ultimately, reinforcing the building’s perimeter ensures the preservation of its integrity.

Client Testimony

“Urbanscape Studio has played a pivotal role in achieving highest level of security planning to meet the needs of our international clients”