The Center of Excellence is set up at IIM Ahmedabad with support from the Government of India’s Department of Science and Technology and the Government of Gujarat. IIMA Ventures facilitates startups – the vessels of innovation, gain access to a corporate network, wisdom, resources, and much-needed support for their go-to-market goals. It closely works with investors to augment their finance and mentoring support to startups in their seed-growth stages.
IIMA Ventures (former CIIE.co) is located in the new campus, adjacent to Louis Kahn’s old IIMA campus. It has grown from an entrepreneurship center to a Centre of Excellence in 18 years. With this evolution, IIMA Ventures required a transformation to represent its current values & position as an epicenter of Innovation.
In presence of the architectural legacy of exposed brick in old campus to exposed concrete in the new campus, the transformation does not overlook the existing context but articulates it. The refurbishment of IIMA Ventures honors the existing exposed concrete building while creating an identity for new development. The design brings much-needed freshness & energy, apt for a campus full of young innovative startups.
Typologies
Institutional, Refurbishment & Expansion
Status
Completed
Size
21,525 ft2
Location
Ahmedabad
Client
IIMA Ventures, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
Visualisations
Vinay Panjwani
Team
Dilip Revar, Vimal Patel, Kashyap Trivedi, Nikita Panchal, Nikhitha Pasupuleti, Pranav Soni, Pritesh Patel, Shital Patel, Shrey Shah, Smriti Bhanti, Stuti Jain, Yash Patel
Collaborators
Structure: Vertex Consultants and Engineers
Acoustics: Acoustic Arena
HVAC: Mihir Patel
Metal Fabricator: Steel Concept
Carpenter: Shiv Shakti Furniture
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Visual Highlights
Promoting dialogue between old and new elements, the design solution confers authenticity and timelessness to a new whole. Weathering steel, which ages beautifully with time just like exposed brick and concrete used in the existing campus, was chosen as a primary material. The New entrance is a simple architectural insertion that blends with the existing building in such a manner that it looks as if it was there from the beginning. A simple form balances against the existing and fits within its surroundings.
The building is gradually revealed behind a mini forest of native plants and trees bringing people close to nature while providing an ecosystem for local birds to thrive. An articulation of simple form, natural light, the sound of water/nature, grass, and mini forest reinforce the positive effect of good architectural design.
The new weathering steel entrance, nestled behind a mini-forest, forms a subtle yet striking contrast to the existing exposed concrete at CIIE·IIM Ahmedabad
The cafe is designed on two levels where it retains the essence and memory of the existing double-height entrance. Seating is designed along the existing ramp, which is left intact, to honor the past for people who knew the place earlier and to provide a new, exciting space for the other users. The lower level is cool and cozy while the upper level is more open and airy, filled with natural light diffused by the tree canopies. This offers variation in cafe seating based on group sizes, mood, and weather.
The existing exposed concrete building posed significant challenges for services integration while reorganizing spaces. A creative framework of exposed wiring & customized metal switchboard provided flexibility in terms of space planning and in the end, delivered beautiful patterns on walls & ceiling raising the richness of the interior spaces.
Circular window nook offering serene views of greenery for quiet meetings or solo reflection.
Functional acoustic cladding doubles as graphic wall art—blending performance with a playful visual identity.
Soft daylight animates corten stairs and concrete walls, revealing raw textures, timber tones, and planter-lined railings.
Original ramp reimagined as stepped seating in teak, kota, and concrete—merging spatial memory with tactile, functional design.
Rejuvenated courtyards become ‘the breakout areas’ that make space for crucial social interactions to re-energize during the workday. It becomes a space where cross-pollination between different startups/ideas has the potential to become a catalyst for successful innovation.
Revived courtyard centers on a mature tree, offering a social breakout space for startups.
True transformation lies not in adding, but in revealing—unearthing the value already embedded in place, memory, and material.
– Vimal Patel, Founder and Principal Architect, Unseen Architects
At Unseen Architects, we believe that great architecture happens when great patrons support it. As Edwin Lutyens said, “There will never be great architects or great architecture without great patrons.” Your trust and vision help us turn bold ideas into reality. We’re always looking for clients who appreciate our work and want to make a difference—no matter the size or type of project. Together, we can create meaningful spaces that transform the built environment.
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