Set along the Goan coast, the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS) is India’s largest facility for water sports education and training, and the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Recognizing Goa’s deep cultural and economic connection with the sea—from fishing to marine tourism—the state government initiated this project to formalize and elevate water-based adventure tourism in India.
Breaking away from the often pragmatic and understated tone of institutional architecture in India, NIWS was envisioned through an international competition aimed at making a bold statement—placing Goa on the global map while celebrating the spirit of the sea. The design by MOFA Studio won the competition by proposing an architecture that balances the cultural essence of Goa with a global outlook on education and infrastructure.
The architecture is an ode to the dynamic nature of the sea. The form rises and folds like a series of trochoidal waves, evoking a mythical sea creature when viewed from above. From within, the space appears in constant motion—walls, floors, and roofs weave together in a fluid dialogue, disrupted and reshaped by changing perspectives and light. This continuous movement forms a visual narrative that reflects the adrenaline and rhythm of water sports—blurring the lines between structure and experience.
The masterplan was zoned into institutional, residential, recreational, and administrative areas, yet intentionally allowed the spaces between them to remain fluid. These transitional spaces foster informal interactions between users—lifeguards, surfers, trainers, and students—mirroring the spontaneity and energy of the activities taught within.
The iconic architectural element is its expansive, digitally fabricated roof—a 4000 sq.m grid-shell structure inspired by the sea waves. Made of over 15,000 pipes and 5,000 uniquely shaped CNC-cut and bent panels, it was constructed in modules small enough for manual placement, making it feasible even under tight government budgets. Clad in cost-efficient, color-coated roofing sheets, the wave-like roof serves as both a technical feat and a symbolic canopy—hovering lightly above the structure, uniting the entire campus under one gesture.
Despite challenges like lowest-bid contracting and strict budget constraints, the design team adopted a strategy grounded in local materials, modular construction, and innovative techniques. The goal was not just to build, but to craft an inspiring space where formal education meets the spirit of the sea—an architecture that is both rooted and restless.
NIWS Goa stands as a landmark—celebrating water, learning, and movement—designed not as a static institute, but as an evolving experience.
