“School is an enjoyable and enriching part of life where students can safely explore their True North” – reads the vision of The Northstar School, a progressive institution established to transform the educational ecosystem. The client’s initial brief was to ensure that architecture shaped an important part of every child’s experience at Northstar. The project sits on the south eastern corner of a 17.8-acre barren site located adjoining the RK University campus on Rajkot- Bhavnagar highway.

The Northstar School in Rajkot Rethinks Education Through Architecture and Exploration | Shanmugam Associates

Editor’s Note: Some schools teach within classrooms, while others allow learning to unfold through every space around them. The Northstar School in Rajkot embraces the latter, shaping an educational environment where architecture becomes an active part of a child’s everyday experience. Designed around the idea of learning with nature, the school brings together private gardens, open-to-sky courtyards, stepped gathering spaces, and landscaped corridors that encourage exploration beyond the conventional classroom. Drawing inspiration from Gujarat’s stepped wells, the central vegetated courtyards become spaces for movement, performances, gatherings, and everyday interaction. Locally available Bella limestone gives the architecture its earthy character, while jaalis and creeper screens filter light, dust, and heat. As the landscape continues to grow and gradually take ownership of the campus, The Northstar School becomes a place where children can learn not only from books, but from nature, space, and the world unfolding around them. ~ Yashika Bajaniya

Climate, Context and Growth

The semi-arid climate of north-west India and the site’s dusty, windy conditions became important contextual considerations. Rajkot’s brief monsoon season and the availability of STP water from RK University further informed the design approach. The overall master plan was conceived across three phases of development, of which Phases 1 and 2 have been built. Open-ended corridors, building orientation, and future expansion were carefully considered in the planning. Key functions are located on the ground and first floors to keep the built environment child-friendly.

The primary intent was to find ways to learn with nature. The fundamental unit of schools are classrooms. So, the design process started in programming a single classroom module with cross ventilation, its own private garden and an open to sky jallied courtyard. The module was iterated from a single part into a cohesive whole. A larger garden sits between two classrooms and remains easily monitored. It also accommodates performances and provides space for conducting classes outdoors.

The Courtyard as Commons

Drawing inspiration from Gujarat’s stepped wells, a central courtyard brings all the spaces within each module together. The same courtyard concept is replicated across every phase. This central stepped and vegetated courtyard serves for larger gatherings as a multi-purpose space and for circulation. A stage sits within the courtyard, surrounded by green pockets, creepers, and vines, providing a space for children and staff to perform.

With due credits to the structural engineer, the massing on the second floor sits lightly on the floor below and houses a 250-persons capacity multipurpose hall. The structure visually creates a presence as one walks along the heavily canopied main entry walkway.

A Skin of Stone and Green

A secondary skin is planned across all floors to filter natural light, shield the interiors from dust, and provide security. Jaali screens on the ground floor and an ambitious creeper screen on the first floor give this layer its distinct character. When exploring material for the façade, the criteria was for it to be locally available, have an earthy tone, reflect an institutional character and be economical. Natural hard limestone in a terracotta tone, Bella helps the built form blend seamlessly with its existing surroundings.

When Landscape Takes Over

The architecture at The Northstar School evolves with time. As the building ages, the landscape gradually takes ownership, bringing more life to the spaces. Presently, an Indian owl resides in an unused truncated duct, the gulmohar trees lay a red carpet for the main pedestrian entry and Northstar’s horticulture program engages the learners on importance of flora & fauna. The design foundations at Northstar lie on ideologies of exploring contemporary design with local material, using regional

Fact File

Designed by: Shanmugam Associates

Project Type: Educational Architecture Design

Project Name: The Northstar School

Location: Rajkot, India

Year Built: 2022

Built Area: 9000 Sq.ft

Principal Architects: Santhosh Shanmugam, Raja Krishnan D & Shanmugam A

Design Team: Krishnan, Santhosh, Balasubramanian, Manish Bokdia, Vimala, Krishnan, Santhosh Shanmugam, Balasubramanian, Manish Bokdia, Vimala

Photograph Courtesy: Ishita Sitwala & Denis Amirtharaj      

Client: Mohit Patel

Collaborators: Gudgudee

Firm’s Website Link: Shanmugam Associates

Instagram Link: Shanmuga Associates

Facebook Link: Shanmugam Associates

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