Schools of Tomorrow, Ashta

The Schools of Tomorrow are a cluster of new-age schools aimed at redefining the government education infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh. The school in Ashta is centrally situated within the city, near a lively local market. With no existing school on site and a fresh piece of land to work with, the design was conceptualized with a strong emphasis on sustainability and ensuring the existing landscape was protected. The school design is also unique to its local culture and context, creating a deep connection and belonging for the students.

Given the extreme climatic conditions of the region, temperature regulation was a key design consideration to ensure a comfortable learning environment for students and staff. The school has incorporated several passive cooling strategies like the use of fly ash bricks and AAC blocks for improved thermal insulation. The windows to the classrooms are specially designed recessed windows to control daylight ingress, eliminating the need for external chhajjas. The windows will reflect harsh sunlight and allow diffused light to enter the classrooms, and prevent any harsh shadows and excessive light from entering the areas. This in result creates a well curated and learning conducive environment for the students and will improve overall focus and attention spans.

The school has been designed to accommodate diverse educational needs, incorporating spaces that go beyond traditional classrooms.

●       A grand entrance porch as a unique distinctive feature to the visual identity of the Ashta School.

●       The school has one of the largest student capacities among the Schools of Tomorrow and the common spaces like Open Air Theatres and Mid-Day Meal areas are made to accommodate this larger student population.

●       Multi-purpose halls for sports, gatherings, and community events.

●       Vocational training centers for skill development.

●       Playgrounds and landscaped courtyards for recreation and informal learning.

●       Library spaces that encourage reading and independent learning

The design ensures that classrooms and learning spaces are flexible, naturally ventilated, and well-lit. The schools are arranged in clusters of different blocks, like a Nursery-Primary Block, a Middle-High School Block which divides the spaces to the needs of the respective age groups.

Ensuring equal access for all students was afundamental aspect of the design. Vibrantcolor schemes in shades of yellow and orange have been used to stimulatecreativity and make learning spaces more playful and approachable for thestudents.