The Punjab region presents unique climatic and terrain challenges unlike any we have encountered before. Summers can reach nearly 50°C (122°F), while winter temperatures may drop to 0°C (32°F).
This area is also one of the country’s top grain producers, featuring fascinating rural landscapes. Settlements form dense clusters to avoid fertile, well-irrigated farmland. With no mountain ranges as barriers, the flat terrain extends for miles, allowing high-speed winds to sweep through and carry large amounts of dust.
The school is situated in the suburban fields among one of these residential clusters. During the rice harvest, the area offers beautiful scenery and a refreshing summer breeze. However, as the harvest ends, frequent sandstorms occur. Burning straw combined with strong winds brings significant ash particles.
These environmental factors influenced the school’s design to evolve into an arc shape. The fortress-like walls curve and deflect winds through open pockets within the building, softening the airflow.
The gray-brown exterior matches the surrounding soil’s color and effectively conceals weathering on the walls. Brightly colored bridge elements link the gaps in the wall, adding visual interest.
Most openings face inward toward small courtyards formed by finger-like building volumes. These courtyards rarely open toward prevailing winds and provide mutual shading throughout the day.
Hidden inside is a stadium offering a private play area for children, which can also serve as a classroom during winter months.
Project Drawings
△ One-layer sectional perspective
△ Second-layer sectional perspective
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Sectional perspective
△ Analysis chart
Project Information
Architect: Kamat& Rozario Architecture
Area: 20,000 m²
Year: 2022
Photographer: Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
Suppliers: AGL, Greenply, Jaquar, Merinolam, Philips, Trimble, ZWCAD
Project Architect: Mrigank Roy Chaudhury
Architects: Sahana Samanta, Gokul A N
Intern: Raj Kachalia
Location: Ludhiana, India
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