The Technopark campus here is gearing up for the development of its third phase that will add three million sq.ft, providing workspace for 18,000 IT professionals.

CEO Mervin Alexander announced here on Tuesday that the work would commence in September this year. It will be completed in three phases. "The proposed buildings in the campus will have a futuristic design, incorporating the latest trends in technology including 'green' concepts. They are designed to provide an ambience to match the best of its kind in the world," he said.

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan is scheduled to lay the foundations for the project. The first phase, covering one million sq.ft, is expected to be ready for occupation by July 2011.

Conceived by architect Hafeez Contractor, in association with consortium partner Iyer & Mahesh of Thiruvananthapuram, the new complex is being planned as a landmark icon for Technopark. The project involves the development of 40 acres in three phases.

Of glass and steel
As many as eight blocks of glass and steel are to come up in landscaped grounds. The energy-efficient buildings will employ a host of green technologies to save on power and water use.

The V-shaped buildings are designed with a reverse cantilever concept for the upper floors to reduce solar heat penetration.

At least 65 per cent of the premises will be landscaped to retain the green cover.

The eight high-rise blocks will use special glass cladding that reflects up to 80 per cent of the heat and provides noise insulation for the office space. The double-glazed, hermetically sealed glass helps to save on the power used for air-conditioning the interiors. The design of the buildings has been subjected to simulation modelling to achieve optimum level of energy and lighting.

The premises will be provided with segregated areas for movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

Each block will have 10 levels of office space. Bus bays will also be provided along with segregated corridors for vehicles and pedestrians. The project is designed to ensure that there is one car park for every 500 sq.ft of office space.

Landscaping
The premises will have air-conditioned food courts with seating for 2,000 and four acres of landscaped grounds with water bodies, cascades, an amphitheatre and pedestrian promenades.

"The buildings are designed to meet the expectations of global IT and BPO companies," says N. Mahesh.

"Adoption of the green technologies will entail an additional expense of 12 per cent but in the long term, these features offer better return on investment."

Power supply
Technopark has already completed a 110-kV substation to supply power to the new campus as well as for the adjacent campuses of Infosys and UST Global.

Other infrastructure needs of the campus such as water supply, approach roads and solid waste management will also be ready alongwith the building. There will be facility to park 1200 cars in the first stage.

"The balance land within the newly acquired 92-acre Phase III campus will be offered on lease to other developers," Mr.Alexander said.

Source: Hindu.com