GURUKUL THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Ar. Santosh Nandakumar Ramane & his team at Art N Space Studiohad to ensure that children get holistic education in a great environment while designing a primary school in Kolhapur named Gurukul

Schools leave a lifelong impact on children's minds outside the home. So, the school building should match the learning process. It should also be a place for fun, playing, growing friendships and creating early milestones. This school has achieved that for the kids through their building.

The main motto behind the school's design was to give a quality space that matches the site conditions. It revolved around the reference to an existing Gulmohar tree. It has a Gurukul vibe by providing shade to teachers for teaching. Here, the children come together to play, share food and more.

Referring to this existing Gulmohar tree, two axes form the built mass. The void in between includes a flight of steps. These act as a courtyard, Amphitheatre, covered assembly area and meeting place. There has been the use of colours, good ventilation and ample natural light for boosting creativity and concentration.

A filler slab cuts the cost. A light and shadow play is noticeable when the sun's rays hit the pergola above the staircase void. This pergola has artwork in MS that allows shadow patterns. It is covered in shades of polycarbonate sheets. The slab has the artwork of 'Saraswathi Yantra', a symbol offered to Ma Saraswathi, the goddess of education. The beads on the window grills allow the children to interact and play.

The overall design approach was to ensure a comfy & safe learning environment for the students. Gurukul, a primary school in Kolhapur, has got an educative touch thanks to Ar. Santosh Nandakumar Ramane & his team at Art N Space Studio