At NICMAR University, architecture becomes a live lesson in construction innovation. Pankaj Nande, Principal Architect, TDC Architecture and Design, explains how Alumil’s fenestration systems helped turn a precast campus vision into a functional, durable and future-facing learning environment for the next generation of builders. Please take us through your journey as an architect and some of the projects you have worked on. I am the founder of TDC- Architecture & Design, Pune. Our journey started with the thought of doing justice not only to design, but also to construction methodology, technology and human aspirations. From a three-member team, we have grown to almost 60 people, carrying the same culture and values across projects. We work on residential, large-scale commercial, institutional, master planning, metro stations, riverfront development and luxury projects in Pune. What was the architectural vision behind the NICMAR University campus? NICMAR, being the National Institute of Construction Management, already believes in evolution and new construction methodologies. The idea was that students should not only learn technology in classrooms, but experience it through the building itself. For Phase 6, we proposed a completely precast building, from the service basement to the terrace. The façade combines precast concrete with aluminium and glazing. The concrete represents precision and construction methodology, while glazing represents the future. That combination became the core design expression. How did you balance aesthetics, functionality, daylighting and ventilation across the campus? For us, this was a functional education space first. The classroom had to be comfortable but it also had to allow students to ‘see through’ and connect with the world they are going to work in. That is why we planned larger openings while maintaining safety, usability and aesthetics. The top-hung window system, along with sleek mullions and glazing, helped balance natural light, visibility and the architectural character of the building. What key performance factors guided the selection of window and door systems? The main criteria were durability, comfort, acoustics, safety and weather performance. Each classroom has a large student intake, so the windows would be handled repeatedly throughout the day. This is not just a user-centric building; it is a public-centric education building. We needed a system that could withstand frequent use, manage noise levels, ensure safety and still maintain the design intent without adding grills or compromising aesthetics. Why was Alumil chosen for this project? We explored almost seven mock-ups, from local to international systems. Alumil satisfied the criteria one by one. Its system gave us maximum glazed openings with a sleeker profile, strong hardware and a top-hung solution that looked more like a façade than a conventional window. More important, Alumil was not just a product supplier. Their technical team understood our design intent and supported us through design alterations, technical inputs and detailing. Were there any unique design challenges, and how were they addressed? One challenge came from the precast construction itself. Some dimensions changed onsite due to grouting and alignment issues, even after the window order had been placed. Alumil’s team responded technically and worked with us again on the drawings. Another challenge was the late decision to realign the top-hung panels from top to bottom. The modular flexibility of the system allowed fixed and top-hung panels to be switched, which helped us resolve the issue without disturbing the larger design. As the main contractor for the finishing works, Altelier Buildcon translated the design intent into reality through precise on-site execution and an exacting attention to detail. Considering it is a university campus, how was Alumil’s delivery timeline important? Since it was a running education campus, delays were not an option. A delay of even one week or one month could affect admissions, courses and the academic calendar. We needed around 300 windows within three months. Among the mock-ups reviewed, very few were ready to take up that challenge. Alumil accepted it and delivered the work in around two-and-a-half months, which made the contractor, management and design team very happy. What consultancy and handover support did Alumil provide to you? For NICMAR, documentation was very important. The project required testing certificates, methodology documents, handover records, contact lists, technical support details and certifications for hardware, aluminium and glass. Alumil supported not only the site and technical execution, but also the documentation process. Their support went beyond the work order and that made the collaboration smooth and valuable for the project. FACT FILE Project: NICMAR University – Phase VILocation: Balewadi, PuneExpected Completion: 2026Site Area: 40,000 sq mBuilt-up Area: 52,741 sq mNew Built-up Area: 10,100 sq mCertification: To be confirmedClient / Project Developer: NICMAR University, PuneMain Contractor: Altelier Buildcon LLPDesign Consultant: TDC – Architecture & DesignMEP Consultant: Chettiar Consulting Engineers (CCE) -PRANJAL PATIL