Ramanujan IT City
Client: TIDCO
Architect: Skidmore, Owings and Merill (SOM)
Year: 2018
Ramanujan IT City, also known as Tata Intellion Park Chennai, is a premier LEED Gold certified information technology (IT) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) located in Taramani, Chennai, India. Spanning a 25-acre site, the development is designed as a campus-like working environment within a dense commercial setting.
The landscape adopts a climate-responsive and pedestrian-oriented approach, integrating interconnected courtyards, shaded walkways, landscaped podiums, and green open spaces. Inspired by traditional Indian courtyard planning, the design promotes social interaction, improves thermal comfort, and softens the architectural scale through extensive planting, seating areas, and cooling landscape elements. The design combines sustainability, functionality, and user experience, making the landscape a central element of the overall master plan.
Entrance Circular Plaza
The Entrance Circular Plaza is designed as an iconic arrival space and social gathering point with a strong visual identity. It features concentric circular paving patterns combined with trimmed hedges that create a simple maze-like experience and guide movement through the space.
A central mist feature acts as the focal point while also helping to cool the surrounding area. Curved benches with timber seating are placed along the circular layout to encourage informal seating and interaction. Additional tree planting around the edges provides shade and improves comfort. Overall, the design combines greenery, seating, and sensory elements to create an inviting and memorable entrance plaza.
Water Feature
The water feature is inspired by Srinivasa Ramanujan’s quote: “An equation has no meaning for me unless it expresses a thought of God.” The design takes the form of a curved natural stone wall with a series of water spouts at varying heights, allowing water to gently cascade into a shallow pool below. This creates a calm, rhythmic interplay of movement, sound, and reflection.
Layered planting softens the composition, with low shrubs in the foreground and trees behind providing shade and a natural backdrop. Subtle bronze fish sculptures are integrated within the water, adding narrative depth and identity. Together, the composition expresses a harmonious relationship between structure, nature, and a deeper sense of meaning beyond form.
Rendered visualisation of the completed site
