kumar la noce builds learning complex for performing arts in kalkeri, india

set within a secluded stretch of land in dharwad, india, the kalkeri sangeet vidyalaya learning complex by architecture studio kumar la noce is a free school with a strong emphasis on the performing arts. the project offers a library, art studio and labs for a music school that becomes the first ‘formal’ built structure on the campus. all throughout, the design intent was to create a layered and adaptable set of spaces for children — within the constraints of a tight budget, logistics and available resources.

 

‘the aim of our project was to design a library and learning center, which could be a dialogue between formal/informal, existing/new and low-cost/high-tech. the technique of brickwork, plaster, structural design became strategic in providing spatial and architectural quality within strict constraints,’ states the team. 

kumar la noce builds learning complex for performing arts in kalkeri, india
the academic blocks within the existing campus

 

 

kumar la noce has distributed the program amongst a cluster of three blocks, arranged around an open court and corridor. this approach scatters the ‘weight’ of the building both visually and physically. the composition and orientation of the blocks ultimately create a hierarchy of masses using simple volumes — where views and perceptions of spaces also differ. the in-between zones become versatile ‘life-spaces’ adaptable to various events, gatherings and outdoor classes. in addition, a long veranda/corridor along the length of the south façade provides a shaded open area, covered by a bamboo slat roof.

kumar la noce builds learning complex for performing arts in kalkeri, india
the piazza inhabited by local children

 

 

for this project, it was crucial to keep the structure as light as possible but still robust. the two main blocks have a double roof, one vaulted and the other inclined. the vaulted one has ‘eyelets’ cuts that help create a passive ventilation cycle, while the structure holding up the roof emerges out of these cuts to support the inclined top. brick jail patterns travel along the walls, keeping the rooms continuously aerated and adding interesting shadows and textures to the spaces.

01
social connectors, in-between zones, the piazza and existing main hall

 

 

materials used for the construction of the learning complex are locally sourced brick and cuddappah stones. a layer of mud paint gives the buildings their ochre color, similar to all the other huts around. on the other hand, a mossy blue-green cement oxide dado complements the ochre while protecting the bases of the blocks from dirt and grime.

02
the ventilated double-skin roof capping the two blocks

kumar la noce builds learning complex for performing arts in kalkeri, india
internal view from one of the classrooms

03
view of the ventilated roof and the brick jali 

kumar la noce builds learning complex for performing arts in kalkeri, india
lightweight roof structure

kumar la noce builds learning complex for performing arts in kalkeri, india
site plan

kumar la noce builds learning complex for performing arts in kalkeri, india
ground floor plan

kumar la noce builds learning complex for performing arts in kalkeri, india
south-west elevation 

kumar la noce builds learning complex for performing arts in kalkeri, india
detail of the ventilated double-layer roof

 

 

project info:

 

client: KSV school, kalkeri, dharwad, india

area: 210 sq.m

year: 2015

construction and fundraising team: PRÉCI 2014 team from ÉTS montreal

contractors: anil kari, prakash kusugal

architects: kumar la noce

structural design: BL manjunath

 

 

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: lea zeitoun | designboom

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