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LEAF states “This award is for all companies, individuals &
technologies that have made an outstanding contribution to
the world of architectural design and build. There is
particular recognition of those who have not only had
exceptional success, but also demonstrated industry
leadership within their respective fields”.
The
Architect, Brinda Somaya of `Somaya & Kalappa Consultants’
said, “ that the brief was to design a school building that
would do more than just reflect the strong Indian ethos and
heritage. The aim was to also offer a space of peace and
tranquility suitable for learning. The original Nalanda –
India's first university founded in the 5th century – was
used as an example to build upon. Wide-open courtyards,
corridor spaces, shaded classrooms, jalis and pergolas offer
a seamless harmony between the building, its environment and
the learning facility within”.
Sinora
Penkar, the Senior Project Architect of `Somaya & Kalappa
Conultants’ said “the core concept of the plan is a central
courtyard with four smaller internal courtyards, each of
these courtyards containing a cluster of four classrooms.
This ensures that children have a sense of their own indoor
and outdoor space where they can be close to nature growing
vegetables and nurturing their plants.
They
also learn to take care of their courtyard and keep their
own immediate environment clean, which fosters a sense of
responsibility. These courtyard spaces have minimized the
use of artificial lighting and ventilation, substantially
conserving energy.
The
natural stone floors are cool in both feel and colour, and
in some areas patterned cement flooring has been used. In
the dry hot climate of Baroda the red brick building with
its terracotta tiled roof has been designed to stay as cool
as possible. This is managed without any air-conditioning or
expensive materials such as glass and aluminium”.
Brinda
Somaya continues, “Brick piers and vaults are constructed
using local bricks by local craftsmen who bring back
traditional methods of construction. Brick works as a
structural material and not just as a decorative cladding.
Cavity walls in the classrooms keep out the summer heat and
the winter cold.
The
relationship between architecture and the environment
continues to be a complex interaction of site, technology,
climate and other natural forces, building materials and the
human presence. The building form has been carefully
designed, both in plan, section and elevation.
Materials that are relevant to the site have been used and
the aim is to have created a school that has purpose beyond
the boundaries of the brick and stone”.
Brinda
Somaya is also a member of the `Urban Heritage Conservation
Committee’, Mumbai & a member for the `Committee of
Environmental Impact Assessment of New Construction Projects
& New Industrial Estates’ for `Ministry of Environment &
Forests’, Government of India.
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