A New Educational Ecosystem

Project: The Northstar School, Rajkot, Gujarat Architects: Shanmugam Associates, Trichy

“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 that a very important part of every child’s experience at Northstar be shaped by architecture. The project sits on the southeastern corner of a 17.8 acre barren site, adjoining the RK University campus on RajkotBhavnagar highway.

The semi-arid climate of north-west India, dusty yet windy site conditions, 20-30 days of monsoons in Rajkot and supply of STP water from RK University were influential, contextual pointers. The overall master planning was conceived by integrating three phases of development, of which only Phase-1 is built. Open-ended corridors, building orientation and future development were factored into the overall planning. Key functions are accommodated on the ground and first floors to keep the built space child-friendly.