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Abstract

Ratnagiri University was an ancient residential Buddhist University that flourished during the period of 6th-12th century CE in Orissa (20.6330N 86.3330E). In this study we seek to examine the energy efficiency of the University’s edifices from a fluid mechanical point of view, using the Software Autodesk® Ecotect® and X-Flow. From a site visit, notable phenomena such as stack ventilation effects in the multi storied dormitories and acoustic filtering of high frequency sounds were suggested upon examining the building forms, which included stupas, courtyards, both windowless and windowed rooms and numerous sculptures amongst a large medley of archaeological remains. This study, the first ever to analyze an ancient Buddhist University, places a particular emphasis on the orientation, siting, infiltration, ventilation, day lighting and acoustics. From these analyses we seek to infer the prowess of the populace of that period, concerning harness of natural resources and design strategies.