Site Planning of Campuses
Site planning for the institutional campus adopts a human-centric approach, integrating universal design principles from the initial stages to create inclusive educational environments. Accessibility is envisioned as a comprehensive campus experience—from entry points to mobility, learning, recreation, and all institutional activities—ensuring holistic implementation across both built and unbuilt spaces, including enclosed areas and open landscapes.
The institution possesses approved architectural drawings (CTS No. 57, S. No. 96 Pt, Borla Village, Chembur, Mumbai) that demonstrate site planning with foundational accessibility considerations.
Key Site Features Include:
• The campus benefits from direct access via a 27.45 m wide DP road, with designated vehicle alighting zones at entry gates. This is complemented by a 3.05 m wide open-to-sky pathway that seamlessly connects stilt-level parking to existing Wings A/B and new multi-storey additions up to seven floors.
• Block plans clearly demarcate plot boundaries, adjoining village limits, and a 2150 sq. m playground (PG), offering expansive open recreational spaces suitable for inclusive activities.
• Level plinths at a 0.70 m elevation reduce entry barriers, while stilt ramps (e.g., 6.483 m length) facilitate smooth wheelchair movement from parking areas to buildings. Fire-rated doors (FRD) ensure safe and unobstructed emergency access.
• Ground floor layouts prioritize ease of navigation through wide passages (1.92 m to 1.825 m), stair-free lobbies, three accessible lifts (pit dimensions approximately 2.58 × 1.88 m providing adequate cabin space), and staircases with 300 mm risers and appropriate tread depths to support wheeled mobility.
• Gents’ and ladies’ toilet blocks include compact and functional WC units (1.5 × 1.05 m) and urinals. Pathways feature smooth, even surfaces free from irregularities, while 900 mm ducts ensure vertical clearances exceeding 2100 mm for overhead safety.
• Surface parking slots (e.g., 5.50 × 2.50 m) and cycle stands accommodate different vehicle types, with scope for enhancement through dedicated curb ramps and tactile ground surface indicators (TGSI) for persons with visual impairments.
• Multi-floor configurations integrate classrooms, computer laboratories, and offices around FSI-free lobbies, open terraces, and store rooms. Uniform floor-to-floor heights (3.35–3.60 m) support stable vertical circulation. Essential amenities such as drinking water stations, pump rooms, and substations are strategically located for easy access.
Academic Buildings and Learning Spaces
(Classrooms, Libraries, Computer Laboratories, and Other Learning Environments)
Academic buildings and learning spaces are designed to be friendly to persons with disabilities by embedding universal design principles from the planning stage, ensuring equitable access, flexibility, and sensory inclusivity for all users.
Classrooms across multiple floors (e.g., 22 × 21-6 ft rooms in Wings A/B, from ground to seventh floor) provide wide passages (1.92 m to 1.825 m) and level thresholds to facilitate wheelchair circulation.
Computer laboratories benefit from stable plinth levels (0.70 m), smooth pathways free from irregularities, and nearby toilet facilities (1.5 × 1.05 m WC units with urinals). Vertical access is supported by three lifts (approximately 2.58 × 1.88 m pits) and staircases with 300 mm risers.
Libraries and multi-purpose spaces (e.g., seminar halls of 15.79 × 10.27 ft, IQAC rooms) are integrated within multi-floor layouts, with access to drinking water stations and open terraces. Surface parking (5.50 × 2.50 m slots) and stilt ramps (6.483 m) further ensure ease of access.
Assembly Areas / Auditoriums
Seminar halls and stilt areas, as depicted in the approved drawings, incorporate functional designs that support accessibility while optimizing space utilization. Seminar halls provide wide access passages, connections to stair-free lobbies with three lifts, and level thresholds from 0.70 m plinths, enabling easy navigation for differently-abled users.
Canteens and Common Dining Facilities
The campus canteen functions as an essential support facility and is integrated within the wing near the main entrance, providing convenient access for students and staff. Located adjacent to wide passages and connected to stilt parking ramps and three lifts, the canteen ensures wheelchair-friendly entry through level plinths and smooth flooring for ease of movement.
Accessible Sanitary Provisions
Sanitation facilities in the institution adhere to prescribed accessibility standards, ensuring the availability of accessible toilets at strategic locations with clear accessibility signage. These facilities include independent external entries, low-height washbasins and urinals with grab rails, and adapted Indian WCs. Sanitary napkin vending machines and disposal bins are provided in ladies’ washrooms.
Administrative Spaces
Administrative areas prioritize accessibility for persons with disabilities through compliant ramps and lifts that meet specified gradients and dimensional requirements. Offices incorporate accessible doorways, lever handles, and staff sensitivity measures, aligned with FSI-free lobbies and fire-rated doors to enable safe and independent navigation throughout the multi-storey structure.
Recreational Spaces, Common Rooms, Activity Rooms, Gyms/Yoga Halls
Recreational facilities on campus—including boys’ and girls’ common rooms, open terraces, activity halls (seminar rooms), and the adjoining playground (2150 sq. m)—adhere to universal design and accessibility norms. Wide access doors at ground-level lobbies and passages (1.92 m and above), along with FSI-free circulation areas, ensure barrier-free entry. Sports and recreational equipment in both outdoor and indoor areas are provided with level approaches and appropriately lowered installations. Gymkhana and indoor sports facilities are easily accessible to differently-abled persons.
Accessible Parking Facilities
Dedicated accessible parking is designated and clearly signposted within 30 metres of key buildings, including Wings A/B entrances, stilt parking zones, and the playground area. These facilities accommodate cars, adapted four-wheelers, and two-wheelers with side wheels near the 27.45 m DP road entrance. Existing surface parking and stilt areas, accessed via 6.483 m ramps and 3.05 m open pathways, connect directly to building entrances through level, step-free routes with wide passages (1.92 m and above). Regulatory signage and monitoring prevent misuse. Parking areas are wheelchair-friendly, with ramps provided for smooth navigability.
Campus Amenities: Banks
The campus houses a bank within its premises, which is also accessible to persons with disabilities. The facility includes wide doors for easy entry, and counter heights are designed to accommodate both standing and seated users, ensuring convenient transactions.
Accessible Signage in the Campus / Buildings
Campus signage provides clear, multi-sensory information to support orientation and independent navigation across Wings A/B, stilt parking areas, lobbies, classrooms, toilets, and the playground. Visual signage and notice boards are installed from the main entrance and on all floors. The International Symbol of Access (ISA)—a blue square with a white stylized wheelchair figure—is prominently displayed to indicate accessible facilities and services.
Accessible Emergency Preparedness
Accessible Emergency Preparedness refers to proactive planning, infrastructure, and response strategies during emergencies such as fires, evacuations, or disasters, ensuring equal safety and independence for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) alongside the general population.
Regular fire safety audits are conducted in the institution in compliance with all required regulations. Fire safety infrastructure across Wings A/B incorporates accessible features, with clearly marked exits. Emergency alarms, sand buckets, and fire extinguishers are strategically placed. Evacuation routes are maintained at level and kept free from obstructions such as furniture or protruding elements.
