Nirmala central school

The site is located in the core of the city. It faces the street on the north and east side exposing it to vehicular traffic noise. The aim was to create a calm, noise free environment for learning which led to designing the building around a spacious courtyard which would buffer the noise from outside. All classrooms open out to the courtyard creating convenient connections. The courtyard acts as an assembly space and offers students various options for informal communication during their leisure time.

The building rests on two levels following the site contour, which creates a lower ground level and an upper ground level. The building is accessed from the upper ground level which is primarily used for administration. The entrance which is located at the corner of the building has been chamfered such that it responds to both sides of the street.

Taking advantage of the site’s elevation difference, a double height space surrounding the courtyard creates a shaded assembly spaces for students and breaks the mass of the building making it more permeable as opposed to being blocked by walls on all sides. A ramp running along the courtyard connects the lower and upper ground floors creating easy access.

Apart from classrooms the building program also accommodates a spacious multi-purpose hall, science labs, a library and A.V room.