Sangam Elementary School
In olden times, students were taught in open environments under the trees. We have been inspired by this concept as it helps children connect with nature. It is a wonderful way to learn various life skills, and presents an opportunity for kids to run, jump, slide, make a mess and explore themselves in an informal way.
The school is located in the urban fabric of Bhilwara, Rajasthan, India. The project covers an area of 2612 Sq. M. The design is focused on establishing an entity for students, where the built space and environment together becomes a successful tool for learning.
Photography by © Umang Shah
The form of the building was inspired by a triangular cheese sliver with tiny holes on its sides as seen in cartoons; likewise, the external surface of the building has multiple punctures. The exterior facade has many tiny window panels to maintain visual connectivity with nature and the surroundings. The size of the windows is small to ensure safety and positioning is driven by the height of the students. The students get a view of the outside while sitting at their desks. Each floor is staggered which creates small planters and generates an organic form of the structure. From a distance, the building looks like a sloping garden. Near the main entrance is an open amphitheater which is used for activities such as morning prayers, dramas and performances. The size of the plot and space needed for the project left limited peripheral space for essent...