search

Public School Design in Rajasthan Stands on Resilience And Material Identity | R+D Studio

The architectural identity of Rajasthan is largely characterized by historic masonry structures highlighting a deep and enduring material culture. Among these, a post-independence educational institution, built with rubble masonry, stands as a symbol of resilience and functional pragmatism in public school design.

Editor’s Note: “History breathes anew in this quiet village of Nimbahera. Through adaptive reuse, the school once paused in time, now emerges with a purpose. Unfolding as a dialogue across time, every wall whispers the intervention that honors heritage while embracing change. Moreover, R+D Studio reimagines time, not just space.” ~ Anusha Sridhar

Public School Design in Rajasthan Stands on Resilience And Material Identity | R+D Studio

public school design

Built by JK Cement Organization in the 1960s as part of their cement plant and colony in the remote village of Nimbahera, around 100km from Udaipur. R+D Studio was engaged to re-examine the entire masterplan and propose a phase wise solution and in doing so, the fundamental question posed was:

How can a historic structure’s utility be extended without compromising its intellectual and cultural integrity? How does architecture reconcile the historical with the contemporary without falling into visual discord? R+D Studio’s intervention inhabits this in-between space, leveraging adaptive reuse as both a strategic method and a guiding philosophy.

public school design

Breathing New Life into an Outdated Layout

A K-12 educational institution is not a fixed entity but a dynamic system that evolves over time to accommodate shifting educational and spatial demands. In this case, the original layout included an outdated bachelor’s accommodation within the primary structure—an inefficient use of space that required strategic reconfiguration. The design intervention was executed with precision: the dormitory functions were removed, and the spatial framework was reorganized to integrate a new primary wing.

public school design

Form and Function Aligned Across Generations

Rather than merely extending the existing structure, this addition functions as a graft, skillfully bridging historical continuity with contemporary necessity. The addition of a new architectural volume requires more than simple adjacency—it necessitates a deliberate combination of form and function. The new wing does not assert itself as an independent structure but integrates seamlessly into the existing architectural language. A carefully planned circulation strategy achieves this continuity by fostering spatial fluidity. The design orchestrates movement between the historic and contemporary sections of the school to minimize disruption. Meanwhile, the new wing acts as a hinge that unites different sequential and spatial elements into a cohesive whole. Material continuity is fundamental to bridging the historical and the contemporary.

public school design

The selective use of local Nimbahera slate stone, stucco, and historically consistent paint formulations reinforces the connection to the original structure. Instead, it is a deliberate engagement with material as a prompt. Thus, allowing the new wing to blend seamlessly into its environment. By embedding the intervention within the existing tectonic language, R+D Studio crafts a built environment that avoids historical disjunction.

Adaptive Reuse

Adaptive reuse extends beyond aesthetic considerations into the realm of sustainable architectural ethics. Rather than erasing embodied energy through demolition, this project prioritizes recalibration and renewal. The intervention amplifies the latent potential of the existing structure. Moreover, it ensures that the addition does not impose an external architectural vocabulary but instead emerges from the intrinsic logic of site and history. R+D Studio’s intervention is neither a nostalgic replication nor a radical departure. Instead, it is an act of architectural authorship—an ongoing process of rewriting, refining, and expanding the built environment.

Recognizing architecture as a dynamic manuscript rather than a static artifact, the project emphasizes its evolving nature. It underscores the idea that historical structures should not be preserved in stillness but engaged in active dialogue. The new primary wing is an argument for the past as a living entity, continuously evolving through thoughtful architectural discourse and intervention. Thus, the school does not merely endure; it transforms, asserting itself as an evolving architectural continuum rather than a static monument to its past.

Bridging the Past and Present

R+D Studio, based in Gurgaon, is designing a new primary wing for an existing K-12 school built with rubble masonry in Rajasthan. To do so, they first redesigned the programmatic arrangement by moving out the existing bachelor’s accommodation. Then, they creatively added the new wing to connect the two blocks. The adaptive re-use created a sustainable solution that seamlessly integrated both space and architecture. Materials like local slate stone, paint, and stucco ensured that the new structure matched the two blocks, despite a 65-year gap between their construction.

Fact File

Designed by: R+D Studio

Project Type: Educational Architecture Design

Project Name: Lala Kamalapat Singhania Public School (LKSPS)

Location: Nimbahera, Rajasthan, India

Year Built: 2021-2024

Built-up Area: 38,000 Sq.ft

Team Design Credits: Shikha Doogar, Shridhar Rao, Ashvajit Singh, Siddharth Saluja, Shruti Yadav, Kushagra Verma, Nitansh Tandon

Photograph Courtesy: Ketan Patel

Source: e-architect

Firm’s Website Link: R+D Studio

Firm’s Instagram Link: R+D Studio

For Similar Projects >> The Rajakumari Ratnavati Girl’s School – An Architectural Marvel

This Office with Garden Blurs Boundaries between Work and Retreat | Arcline Architects

The thought was to create a space which would act as a formal real estate workspace in the daytime and a family retreat in the evening. By its name, as it is, ‘Leveled. This office with a garden is defined using levels, in terms of volumes, surfaces as well as edges. These levels are rationalized […]

Read More

These Courtyard Villas Connect Deeply with Nature and Everyday Rhythms | The Grid Architects

Nirmay (निर्मय) reflects purity and holistic well-being. Envisioned as a quiet sanctuary amidst the noise of urban life, these courtyard villas offer a way of living that is calm, conscious, and deeply connected to the land. Rooted in sustainability and ecological harmony, the design responds to both nature and the everyday rhythms of its inhabitants. […]

Read More

This Organic House Rolls into the Vibrant Green Landscape Naturally | Prithvi Architects

Winterfell is a work of camouflaged design, an organic house that melds seamlessly with the terrain, rolling into the vibrant green landscape and naturally positioned boulders. Set in the scenic village of Shoolagiri within the Sanctity Ferme community in Tamil Nadu, Winterfell offers an idyllic retreat from urban life—a place to live close to nature. […]

Read More

Tipu Villa is a Heritage Home Blending Boldness and Sophistication | DabStudio

The design concept of Tipu Villa embodies a harmonious balance of boldness and sophistication, crafting spaces that exude refinement and elegance, resulting in a true heritage home. Key design elements include exclusive use of Indian-sourced materials, including Indian teak wood, veneer, natural Kota lime stone, and yellow lime stone, promoting cultural charm and heritage. Tipu […]

Read More

The Outdoor Office is a Response to Uninspired Office Design | Kiasma Studio

Office spaces are often defined by uninspired, industrial aesthetics—endless rows of cubicles, glaring fluorescent lights and austere décor. It’s easy to become desensitized to the potential for beauty in these environments where we spend so much of our time. And with the demands for extended work hours becoming an accepted norm, the line between work […]

Read More

This Modern Farm House Reflects Harmony with Nature and Heritage | Studio HC

Nestled amidst the serene outskirts of Bangalore, this 1.25-acre modern farm house embodies a seamless fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities. Every detail of the property reflects an unwavering commitment to creating a space that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while honoring heritage. This Modern Farm House Reflects Harmony with Nature and Heritage […]

Read More

The Interior Contemporary Design Celebrates Openness and Dramatic Volumes | DesigNiche Architecture

The client envisioned a home that embodies openness and fluidity through interior contemporary design. He is drawn to expansive volumes and dramatic spatial experiences, including double-height ceilings and multiple floors. Each family member should have a distinct, personal space, yet all areas must remain visually and spatially connected to foster a strong sense of togetherness. […]

Read More

This Brahmaputra Riverfront Is a Rhythm of Nature and Stillness | atArchitecture

The Brahmaputra riverfront rejuvenates a natural water lily pond, creates a new river edge, and seamlessly connects the site to the adjacent heritage museum, fostering public interaction. Editor’s Note: “A combination of contours and current, the design of the Brahmaputra riverfront unfolds like a living memory. Quietly celebrating time and terrain, every curve echoes the […]

Read More

A Modern Bali House With Timeless Tropical Charm | Biombo Architects

Located in the coastal village of Pererenan, Bali, House Terra is a contemporary response to tropical living, designed by Biombo Architects as a family retreat. The project balances built space and landscape, creating a strong connection between architecture and nature while offering shelter from the island’s monsoon climate. Editor’s Note: “House Terra, more than a […]

Read More

Minimal Home Interior Design That Honors Heritage in a 15′ Wide Plot | Dinterplay Architects

Located on a 15′ x 95′ ancestral plot in a pal village, Surat, India, this residence is designed for a multi-generational family of seven. This minimal home interior design solves light and space challenges within a narrow plot. The family wanted to stay connected with their community and preserve their cultural roots. The site has […]

Read More
  • This Contemporary Indian House Design Enhances Connectivity Through Open Spaces | Modo Designs

    This Modern and Minimalistic Space Is A Government Office Design Done Right | Chaudhari Associates