Designed to make learning fun
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The Gurukul is a departure from the conventional school and is known for its unique architecture. T. NANDAKUMAR> visits the school, located in sylvan surroundings, far from the hustle and bustle of the city at Vengode in Nedumangad.
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PHOTO: S. MAHINSHA
UNCONVENTIONAL: At The Gurukul.
Take away the blackboard, rearrange the furniture and there is very little to suggest that this is a classroom in a school. The calm environs and the unspoilt view of green rolling hills from the balcony would lead the casual observer to take the building for a tourist resort.
Located in sylvan surroundings, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Gurukul School at Vengode in Nedumangad is different in more ways than one.
Unconventional
The architecture of the school complex is a radical departure from the conventional. The school, which was recently featured in the Indian design magazine Inside Outside, consists of three interconnected blocks with a huge open ground in front overlooking an expansive valley.
The exposed brick building is marked by pillars slanting towards the roof from the basement, giving it an unconventional appearance that is at once appealing and quirky.
The railings of the balcony are inclined outwards to align with the sloping pillars. The plastered sections and doors and windows are painted in bright colours, with the accent on yellow, to lend a cheerful air.
Open-air classes
Classes often spill out into the open grounds with teacher and children enjoying the cool breeze filtering through the rubber trees all around the sprawling 2.4-acre plot. A tree house at the southwest corner of the plot is a favourite spot for the children.
Says Asha R. Panickker, director of the institution: "When I decided to set up the school here, I had only one thing in mind. The atmosphere should make the children happy and be conducive to bringing out their potential."
Ms. Panickkar's search for an architect to help her realise her dream, led her to Suhasini Iyer who is known for her unconventional approach to the design of schools. The brief was plain and clear, "The building should not resemble a typical school block. The basic objective is not to keep children cooped up in a classroom. Learning should be fun. The children should feel happy coming to school and attending classes."
Structure design
"Thankfully, we understood each other well. Ms. Suhasini knew exactly what I wanted and I on my part, gave her total freedom to design the structure," she recalls. The building was planned to blend with the natural contours of the plot that was located on a hillside. "We had planned to retain all the terrain features. Unfortunately, the contractor levelled some of the ground. We were annoyed," says Ms. Panickkar. Some of the natural rock outcrop and a small stream have been carefully retained.
The idea of slanting pillars was a take-off from the traditional style of architecture marked by overhanging eaves. The pillars connect with large beams on the balcony to enhance the feeling of solidity. The entire complex has a tiled roof supported by a metal framework and a cement floor.
The seating arrangement in the classrooms is informal. Mostly, teacher and children sit around a table. The thulasithara in front and the thatched tree house standing on slim concrete pillars impart a rustic air.
Airy classrooms
The large airy classrooms let the children take in the panoramic view of the surroundings. The window grills, railings, doors, roof trusses and purloins are painted in vibrant colours. Yellow is dominant though red, blue and green are also used. The school emblem itself is designed in yellow. "The children are quite happy with the bright colours," observes Ms. Panickkar.
True to the school's philosophy, teachers at The Gurukul encourage the children to go out to explore and experience nature. Outdoor classes and drama are held in the grounds almost every day.
The three blocks completed in the first phase include six classrooms, a laboratory, library and administration and ancillary facilities. "In the next stage, we plan to have thatched classrooms with half walls," says Ms. Panickkar.
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