Schools of Tomorrow, Khandala

The Schools of Tomorrow are a cluster of new-age schools aimed at redefining the government education infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh.

The school in Khandala is located on the top of a hill with a highly contoured site. With a challenge to design with the steep contours and less areas, the school was designed to mimic around the contours. With an expansive view of the village from the school, the school has been designed to stand as an icon within the local context.

Ensuring equal access for all students was a fundamental aspect of the design. Vibrant color schemes in shades of yellow and orange have been used to stimulate creativity and make learning spaces more playful and approachable for the students. Ramps are provided on all floors for seamless movement between the blocks and for ease of accessibility for all students. The ramps envelope around the school blocks and creates a distinctive visual feature for the school. Tactile flooring and clear signages are provided for ease of navigation.

The design has a strong emphasis on sustainability, ensuring the existing landscape is protected.

• One distinctive feature of the design is a slanted terracotta jali façade that not only adds to the visual appeal of the school but also provides shading and blocking the harsh sun. The façade is next to the main entrance, on one side of the multipurpose hall, which features four large circular windows, two on each side as well. The special design was in line with the school setting a new standard for the students and the village.
• The main entrance is in the centre of two blocks, acting as a connector within the site and also dividing the various blocks of the school according to their requirements.
• Extensive landscaping is done in and around the school with various local varieties of fruit and flowering trees planted around the site.
• Other spaces like: 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.