Foster + Partners develop a master plan for Amaravati, the new capital of Indian state Andhra Pradesh

Foster + Partners met with the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, a state bordering India’s southeastern coast, to oversee the next design stages of the state's new capital Amaravati. Foster + Partners will design the central area of the governmental complex including two key buildings, the Legislature Assembly and the High Court Complex, as well as several secretariat buildings.

The new administrative capital was formed following the redefinition of state boundaries between Andhra Pradesh and the newly created state of Telangana. Situated on the banks of the River Krishna, the new city is strategically positioned to benefit from an abundant supply of fresh water. 

South from the river’s edge there is a mixed-use quarter structured around 13 urban plazas signifying the 13 state districts in Andhra Pradesh. At the center of the green strip is the Legislative Assembly building, which sits within a large freshwater lake and is framed by the Secretariat and cultural buildings. The High Court Complex is located off the central axis with a stepped roof form inspired by India’s ancient stupas.

The governmental complex will occupy the center of the city measuring just under 3.5 miles by a half mile. A green strip runs through the length of this segment, providing the foundation of the masterplan’s environmental strategy, where at least 60% of the area is occupied by greenery or water. 

The city has been designed to the highest standards of sustainability including the widespread use of solar energy. The transportation strategy includes electric vehicles, water taxis, dedicated cycle routes, along with shaded streets and squares that will encourage people to walk through the city.

Founder and Executive Chairman Norman Foster related, “The design brings together our decades-long research into sustainable cities, incorporating the latest technologies that are currently being developed in India.”