“How does one create value; value that is not necessarily tied to the ideas of land and design - but rather which is long-lasting, that is built as a result of developing connections and nurturing conversations? How does one, then find ways of representing these values?”
Location
Delhi
Typology
School
Site area
5263m2
The Nirmal Bhartia School in Delhi is distinguished not as a result of typology; but rather as a result of processes that have led to the final outcomes as they have now been presented. The project started as a pro-bono effort - guided by a sense of commitment and the passion of a lady who cared deeply about ideas of education. It became clear then, that the approach taken towards the landscape design of the space, must keep at its centre, students and teachers for whom the space was being designed.
The approch then, led to many conversations; conversations that were undertaken through workshops conducted with students and teachers. As a result, these spaces were imagined as disconnected ideas that did not need to be cohesive, a coming together of many ideas, activities and interpretations.
A kit of parts was then developed with elements that addressed the idea of nature, play, and environment.
It incorporated components such as bird feeders, butterfly gardens, trees and flowers, animal spaces, climbing structures, swings, on-ground games and telephone tubes - amongst others.
The students were invited to play with these components and then create a space that spoke to them.
The final design consists of trees, objects for play, floorscapes, recoganizable objects that allow for development and exploration. It took into consideration access for necessities; fire brigades being one of them.
More than the final outcome, it is the process of conversations that led to the final execution that continues to make the space special even today.
