The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) was set up for the development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation. This site by the River Ganga in Varanasi is to set up the first of its kind training institute in collaboration with international universities for disseminating knowledge and training to both aspiring recruits/researchers and its employees.

The built form which houses museums and training centers was to be replicated for an onboard experience. The brief was then conceptualized to be translated into the built form by a two-axis built form, one of which aligned to River Ganga was to have the on-board experience, which was designed as a riverboat. The other axial building houses the administration and the congregational facilities including a 500 seat auditorium.