SA plans a stepped courtyard in the center of 'northstar school' in india

in the indian city of rajkot, shanmugam associates (SA) has designed a school that focuses on the integration of nature to shape how children learn. measuring a total of 33,000 ft2 (3065.80 m2) in area, the ‘northstar school’ is composed of stacked volumes that overlap and overhang, giving way to lush green pockets of outdoor space.

view of the northstar school from the playground

images courtesy of shanmugam associates (SA)

the building is located in the south-eastern corner of a 17.8-acre site adjoining the RK university campus. when commissioning the project, the client wanted the architecture to shape every child’s learning experience in a positive way. ‘school is an enjoyable and enriching part of life where students can safely explore their true north’ – reads the vision of the northstar school.

view of the main entry from the pedestrian walkway

when taking on the project, SA had to first consider the local climate. situated in north-west india, rajkot is known for dusty yet windy conditions and 20 – 30 days of monsoons. another important factor in the design was the supply of STP water from the nearby university. furthermore, the orientation of the building and it’s potential for future development were also factored into the overall planning. 

the juxtaposition of green creepers and red brick on the façade

the fundamental unit of schools are classrooms, therefore, the design process began by programming a single classroom module with cross ventilation, its own private garden and an open courtyard. this module was then repeated. between two classrooms there is a larger garden that integrates a performance space and provisions for outdoor learning.

the second floor classrooms have creepers as a secondary skin to filter the harsh sunlight

drawing inspiration from the stepped wells of gujarat, a central courtyard ties all the spaces within each module together. this lush, stepped space serves as both circulation and a place to gather. and amid the green creepers and vines is a stage that can be used by the children or staff to perform.

the cantilevered classrooms create a shaded play area below

a secondary skin – perforated brick on the first floor and green creepers on the second – provides a shield against dust while allowing natural light to filter through. when exploring materials for the façades, the criteria was for it to be locally available, have an earthy tone, reflect an institutional character, and be economical. ‘bella’ – a natural, hard limestone in terracotta color – has been used to blend the built form with the existing surroundings.

the main courtyard serves as circulation, a gathering space, and a green relief

the architecture of the northstar school has been planned so that as the building ages, the landscape slowly takes ownership of the spaces. presently, an indian owl lives in an unused duct, the gulmohar trees lay a red carpet for the main pedestrian entry and northstar’s horticulture program engages learners on the importance of flora and fauna. the foundations of northstar lie in ideologies of exploring contemporary design with local materials, using regional references to define built form, and finding simplistic solutions for complex design problems.

in between the creepers and vines in the main courtyard is a performance stage for the staff and the children to use

classrooms have their own garden pockets which are used also for learning

treated water from the STP offers nourishment to the green landscape, as seen here by the lush climbers that have taken over the corridor areas

a virtual class is in progress in this courtyard, which itself offers relief during these uncertain times

private gardens with reading nooks are provided for all spaces, as seen here in the library area

basic shapes and forms are introduced as part of the architecture

project info:

project name: the northstar school

location: rajkot, india

client: mohit patel

design firm: shanmugam associates (SA)

project team: santhosh, raja krishnan, manish,vimala

area: 33,000 ft2 (3065.80 m2)

year: 2017

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom