The architectural intent of this school in Bangalore was to synthesize a complex design brief into a pleasant, comfortable living environment. Divya Shanthi Christian Association & Trust added this multi-programme building facility as an extension to its school and children’s home campus, located in a low-income neighborhood of Bangalore city. Also, to form a coherent neighborhood landmark that exudes positivity and optimism, emerging as a beacon of hope.
Editor’s Note: “The double-skin facade of this school in Bangalore, adorned with gracefully bent steel louvres and an operable glazing system, beckons with a unique allure. The building’s enigmatic exterior contrasts beautifully with an interior awash in vibrant hues, evoking a sense of excitement and joy.The dramatic play of shades and shadows through the veil of louvres creates a connection with the kids in school and the surroundings.” ~Simran Khare
This School in Bangalore Unify A Complex Brief Into A Pleasant Space | Flying Elephant Studio
The building houses multiple programmes that complement the needs of both the existing school campus and the larger neighbourhood community.
It includes children’s dormitories, a senior girl’s transition home, a teacher training centre, a primary healthcare clinic, a community library, science labs, a dining hall, and additional facilities for the school. Given the limited footprint available in a tight urban situation, the programme is stacked at multiple levels.
The plan allows for both necessary controls, including stringent security and privacy for the girl’s residences, and connectivity with the neighborhood backstreet and within the existing school building and campus.
The new building design re-interprets the architecture of a traditional’verandah’. It is a transitional area that functions variously as a climatic buffer, movement corridor, and social space. Thus adapting the concept to a contemporary multi-level urban structure.
A flat concrete structural slab soffit and ‘free plan’ permit maximum flexibility in the internal subdivision of space to accommodate changing needs—both specific programmes currently on different floors as well as catering to future iterations.
It incorporates a double-skin facade enclosure: the outer skin comprises a layer of bent steel louvres, while the inner combines an operable glazing system with opaque walls. The louvres shade the glazing, shelter movement corridors, and informal social spaces while providing security and privacy.
The inner glazing effectively protects assigned programme spaces from inclement weather and provides acoustic separation when needed, while allowing deep penetration of diffused daylight and cross-ventilation.
The indoor massing simulates a micro-urban environment, with ‘interior streets’ between different colour-coded programme ‘blocks’ that are articulated to suggest street edge furniture and invite human occupation.
The interior ambience is characterised by colour, cross-translucency, and reflectiveness that is set against the raw concrete surfaces of the building structure.
Viewed from the outside, the building presents an enigmatic image with interior colour splashes echoing the bold synthetic colours of neighbourhood houses, combining shadows, reflections, and transparency filtered through a veil of steel louvres.
The building engages with the local community at multiple levels. The children’s home offers a caring and secure environment for those without family support. They receive an education at Divya Shanthi School, which also caters to kids from the locality.
There is extensive accommodation for girls, which also includes a transition home that prepares young women to become independent and eventually move out into the world. A well-equipped dining facility offers mid-day meals to all students while also serving the children’s home.
Additional facilities that benefit the community include a special needs school programme and a teacher training facility. The library primarily serves the school but is also intended for use by people from the locality. A street-level primary healthcare centre provides quality medical services, including doctor consultation, a daycare bed facility, a testing lab, and a pharmacy, to the poor, free of charge.
Fact File
Designed by: Flying Elephant Studio
Project Type: Institutional Buildings
Project Name: Divya Shanthi School & Campus Upgrades
Location: Bangalore
Year Built: 2019
Project Size: 5000 Sq.ft
Design Team: Rajesh Renganathan, Iype Chacko, Matilde Chitolina, Aneesh Nandi, Kiran Chandra
Photograph Courtesy: Manoj Sudhakaran
Structure: Manjunath and Co
MEP: HMN Consultants
PMC: Gleeds
Contractors: GINA Engineering
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: Flying Elephant Studio
Firm’s Instagram Link: Flying Elephant Studio
For Similar Projects >> A Vocational Training Institute in Aurangabad while Focusing on Improved Social Responsibility
This modern house by the lake is inspired by traditional Wada architecture while incorporating contemporary aesthetics and functionality. Embracing nature, the architectural design reflects cultural heritage, technological advancements, and natural surroundings. With its exposed brick exterior, central courtyard, landscaping, a swimming pool by the lake, and a narrow alley entrance reminiscent of old Wadas, this residence […]
If you were to step into this Hyderabad house, you would sense harmony in paradox as it harmonizes two distinct units. With both units seamlessly woven together with open-to-sky transitional spaces. Moving around, you get the impression of belongingness, thriving in complete balance with a respect for individuality. This Hyderabad House Harmonizes Two Distinct Units […]
Reflecting grandeur, this Delhi house, also called as Nievus Villa reinterprets classical architecture through a contemporary lens, resulting in a sophisticated, and inviting home. FAB Studio undertook the challenge of creating a residence that seamlessly integrates into Delhi’s architectural landscape, while blending timeless elegance with modern comfort. Editor’s Note: “By merging classical elements with contemporary […]
The sentiment of togetherness is conceptualised the best way by Shreesh Design Studio LLP in this luxe house and has executed it with brimming affection. ‘The Luxe Wave,’ as so appropriately named, is a residential haven located in the warm arms of a homely neighborhood in Rajkot, Gujarat. The coming together of familial bonding and […]
One of the most significant departures from conventional industrial and minimalist office design is the factory’s facade. Each project is a unique opportunity to craft tailored solutions, and we enjoy exploring alternative materials and custom details that resonate with the distinct character of each space. We believe that an exceptional design meets both functional and […]
A building that is constructed and designed to be environmentally responsible and resource-efficient design is called a green building. Green buildings are designed to maintain or improve the quality of the environment around them. Deep under its stylish mien, with Nature running through the veins of this house of 3732 square feet, is a green […]
Located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the new office building for a prominent builder group stands as a testament to classical elegance fused with contemporary vibrancy. The client’s directive was clear: to embrace a classical theme while infusing classical elements that amplify its timeless appeal. This Office Building is a Testament to Classic Elegance and Timelessness | […]
Paati-veedu in the Tamil language means grandmother’s home. The client wanted a traditional courtyard house after having lived in a multilevel home with limited light, ventilation, and disjointed spaces. The site is on a 40×60 ft (2400 sq. ft.) property with the north side facing the street. Editor’s Note: “Rooted in nostalgia yet modern in […]
Coloured glass is incorporated into the east facing elevation of the house with a plan designed to interact beautifully with morning sunlight. As the sun rises, light filters through the coloured glass, casting vibrant, colourful rays throughout the interior and creating a dynamic, uplifting atmosphere. Each piece transforms into a radiant, gem-like feature when struck […]
The Punjab home design is an oasis of solitude, where the structure itself turns inward, embracing the idea of seclusion. Strategic use of barriers like landscaping, walls, and enclosed courtyards ensures privacy without sacrificing the connection to the natural environment. Large windows and skylights are utilized selectively, allowing for natural light to flood into the […]