Spotlight on Educational Spaces: Sangam Elementary School by SferaBlu

The architecture of the Sangam Elementary School designed by SferaBlu at Bilwara echoes the enduring image of cheese with tiny holes on its sides.

Curated by: Tanaya Pednekar
Photographs: Umang Shah, courtesy SferaBlu

The design intent

The aim was two-pronged: formalise an entity wherein the built-space and the surrounding environment together become a successful tool for learning; and create a space that would bring a smile to the faces of the three to seven-year-old students at the thought of going to school!

The form

The architectural entity was inspired by that enduring image of cheese with tiny holes on its sides — thus, a built envelope with tiny puncture-like windows that help maintain visual connectivity with nature and the surroundings. The staggering and twisting of storeys generates small planters and an organic form.

The spatial configuration

The building is a three-storied structure. The built-form is highly perforated and has two courtyards which permit filtered daylight to seep into the corridors. The courtyards help reduce the heat gain and provide efficient air circulation in the entire building, which is essential for the harsh climatic conditions of the region. With the air and diffused light that enter from the top, the inner portion of the building remains cool and well-lit. Like the architectural form, the shape and volume of the classrooms are also organic. Double-height spaces within the programme are converted into multi-purpose mezzanine for play and relaxation.

The roof

The size of the plot vis-a-vis the space requirement left limited room for essential outdoor activities. This is where the idea to repurpose the roof of the building into a sloping garden interconnecting each floor came about. The flat area of the roof is used as a cycling track. The first slope has two huge custom-made slides; the second, the longest, has obstacle courses; and the third one, which gets enough sunlight, has planters and one kitchen garden for each class. The topmost part of the roof houses a jungle gym.