Schools of Tomorrow, Manuben

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

The school in Manuben is located in a barren site with sparse connections to the main town. The design has a strong emphasis on sustainability, ensuring the existing landscape is protected.

• The site contours have been utilized to create visual axes with the open air theatres with rest of the school blocks.
• The Nursery-Primary blocks are connected to the Middle-High School Blocks creating pockets of gathering spaces.
• 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.

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.

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.

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 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 signage for differently abled students.