- Project name: Amity International School
- Project by: vijay guta architect
- Typology: Institutional
- Location: Mohali, Punjab
- Name of Client: Ritnand Balved Education Foundation
- Email: info@rbef.in
- Principal Designer: Saurabh Gupta
- Design Team: Akanksha Gupta (Interior Design)
- Site Area (sq ft & sq m): 2.7 Acres | 117612 sq ft | 10926.5 sq m
- Built-Up Area (sq ft & sq m): 300000 sq ft | 27871 sq m
- Completion Date: December 2021
- Project Cost: 75 Crores
- Photographer: Avesh Gaur
Learning environments play a pivotal role in a child’s life by creating a conducive character for overall growth anddevelopment. Spaces can create memories and enhance the learning experience greatly. The innovative approach todesign for the Amity International School in Mohali, Punjab, attempts to go beyond the rigid morphology of educationalspaces and planning. Drawing inferences from efficient models of tackling urban density, the complex seeks to embody a progressive spirit by rethinking the design of conventional school complexes.
The site posed several challenges in terms of size, orientation and surroundings, which were ingeniously navigated, whiledeveloping a distinctive design scheme. Research has shown that open spaces are equally important for the growth anddevelopment of children. To balance open space requirements within the tight urban constraints, the playground hasbeen lifted to the podium level, leaving the ground free for bus and vehicular movement .
A large landscaped terraceintegrates with the playground to create a large breakout space for the students. In addition, a large play area specificallyfor smaller children has been created at the lower ground level. Within the built envelope, covered breakout spaces areprovided at each level of the five-storey structure, enabling spaces for engagement, exploration and relief at severa Junctures.
While formal environments can help focus better, informal areas are just as important and contribute significantly to thelearning process. Based on this principle, the Amity International School encapsulates ample playgrounds, shadedwalkways, play areas, and open and semi-open spaces across floors, forging engaging and exploratory spaces at several Junctures.
A playful mix of punctures and louvres lightens the visual load of the imposing five-storey structure. These façadeelements are planned to allow natural light in all spaces throughout the campus. One of the most prominent details of the project are the colorful metal panels that wrap around the built form on the southern side.
Made out of laser-cutaluminium sheets and strategically placed to protect the building from the harsh southern sun, this fluid envelope ofblue and yellow asserts a distinct visual identity to the complex. The organic form of the building infuses playfulness andprovides a break in the otherwise rigid urban structure. The facades are a perfect example of functionality andaesthetics, as they allow the building to be climate-responsive while establishing a distinct visual identity.The interior material palette provides a rich sensory experience through the use of rubber wood panels along withsubtle use of colours. Puzzle shaped wooden partitions play peekaboo with students as they move along the corridorwhile enabling visual connectivity within spaces at all times.
The comprehensive design scheme lays the blueprint for a holistic education – one where physical activity, socialinteraction, and creative exploration are just as crucial as curricular education.
