As paradigms of primary education evolve, architecture is increasingly seen to be a driving force to curate decent learning environments. Located in Sector 48, Gurugram, the Vedanya School sets a precedent for how architecture can positively influence children’s schooling journey, acting as a catalyst for learning. Designed for primary students, it aims to foster interactive and playful spaces that enable an uninhibited learning experience.
The School Is Designed To Maximise Movability And Openness | Vijay Gupta Architects
visit : Vijay Gupta Architects
The key challenge for the project was building on the compact footprint of an existing structure. The clients aspired to create a school that was futuristic and innovative, where children are excited to learn and be. As a response, the design intends to create a playful environment, which enables diverse opportunities for exploration and activity.
Furthermore, research shows children’s cognitive agility and social skills are highly enhanced when they are allowed to move freely. Stepping away from the monotonous approach of enclosed classrooms, the school is designed to maximise movability and openness through curvilinear spaces, double-height volumes and vertical and horizontal interconnections.
The school has a simple layout with functions on either side of a central atrium. Upon entrance, one steps into a double-height reception, which also acts as a spacious and well-lit seating area. On the right are admin areas, a SEN room, an infirmary, the principal’s cabin and the conference room.
A double-height space on the left acts as an outdoor learning and play area, offsetting the lack of a campus-style playground.
A central corridor, curving and open in nature, is conceptualised as an activity area, rather than a passageway, where children can learn and play.
The atrium in the center visually opens up the vertical spine of the school, where all the upper floors are walled in glazing. These internal glass walls, curving on the footprint of the central corridor transform the school’s experiential quality and creates seamless connections between spaces.
A staircase at the right of the reception leads one to the upper floors. Located at the northern end, is a ramp designed with a playful division wall to place tactile art and devices for sensory exploration.
On the first floor, a spacious dining room accommodates the right end and a double-height maker’s lab is on the left.
Looking down onto the atrium, this spacious room fosters interesting visual connectivity with the outdoor play area. On the upper floors, classrooms are located on the southern and the northwestern sides of the building, opening out onto small terraces. On every floor, double-height activity rooms overlook the atrium through full-length glazing.
Placed alternatingly on either side of the atrium, these include a music and movement room, a student’s performing area and a spacious library. High ceilings,and transparent, curving.
FACT FILE
Designed by : Vijay Gupta Architects
Project Type : Institutional
Project Name : Vedanya School
Location : Gurgaon
Year Built : March 2022
Site Area : 2500 sq.m
Built-Up Area : 5000 sq.m
Principal Architect : Saurabh Gupta
Interior Design : Akanksha Gupta
Photograph Courtesy : Suryan Dang
Firm’s Website Link : Vijay Gupta Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link : Vijay Gupta Architects
Firm’s Facebook Link : Vijay Gupta Architects
For Similar Projects >> THE RAJAKUMARI RATNAVATI GIRL’S SCHOOL – AN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]
In the heart of a dense urban fabric lies this conscientiously designed three-storeyed residence ‘VILAS’ in a plot of 1700 sq. ft. for a multi-generational family catering and navigating the requirements and ensuring their dreams come to reality. This three-storey house design is carefully crafted cuboid with interesting solids and voids, creating peripheral balconies and […]