ISCDL Announces Design Competition for New State-of-the-Art Public Library in Indore

Indore Smart City Development Limited (ISCDL) invites architects for a design competition for a new ₹40 crore, 40,000 sq ft public library in Indore, blending traditional and digital resources with community facilities. Submissions due Aug 15.

Indore Smart City Development Limited (ISCDL) has announced an open design competition for architects and design firms to conceptualize a groundbreaking new public library in the city. Envisioned as a multi-generational learning environment, this ambitious project aims to blend traditional library functions with cutting-edge digital resources and community-centric spaces, further cementing Indore's reputation as a hub of knowledge and innovation.

The proposed public library will be developed on a substantial 40,000 square feet of land located on the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Arts and Commerce College campus in the Bhanwarkuan area. With an estimated cost of INR 40 crore, the facility is designed to accommodate between 4,000 to 5,000 people at a time, making it one of the largest and most modern public learning spaces in the region.

Beyond Books: A Multifaceted Community Hub:

Collector Asheesh Singh highlighted that the library's vision extends far beyond conventional reading rooms. The state-of-the-art facility will feature a comprehensive range of amenities, including:

• Core Library Facilities: Extensive archive space, main collection areas, special collections/archives, diverse reading areas, and a robust digital library.
• Community and Auxiliary Services: A primary health facility (OPD and first aid centre), a state-of-the-art auditorium with a seating capacity of 2,000, an exhibition hall, two mini-conference halls, a dedicated career counselling centre, a cafeteria, and various shops.

IMC Commissioner Shivam Verma emphasized that design proposals must meticulously integrate all these elements while adhering to crucial principles. The design must embody universal design principles, ensuring the facility is fully accessible and usable for individuals of all ages and abilities. Furthermore, proposals are mandated to comply with green building principles, incorporating energy efficiency, water conservation, and the selection of sustainable materials.

Call for Innovative Designs and Key Deadlines:

ISCDL is inviting talented architects and design firms to participate in this prestigious competition. The detailed brief and guidelines for the design competition are available on the official ISCDL website, www.smartcityindore.org.

The deadline for submitting design proposals is August 15, 2025, by 5:00 PM. Submissions are to be sent to smartcityindore16@gmail.com. This competition offers a unique opportunity for designers to contribute to a transformative public infrastructure project in a leading Smart City.

This new public library is expected to become a vibrant nexus for education, culture, and community engagement in Indore, reflecting the city's unwavering commitment to progress and inclusivity for its citizens.