In a celebration of creativity, culture, and child-centered design, Ar. Murali Murugan of Murali Architects has clinched the Grand Prix Award at the AYDA–CCA Japan Summit 2025 for his remarkable work on GB Public School, located in Melmaruvathur, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu.
The AYDA–CCA (Creative Colour Awards) celebrates innovation, purposeful color integration, and context-driven design in architecture across 11 countries. This award celebrates the creative and responsible use of color, form, and function in Architecture, and GB Public School proved to be a stellar example.
Awarded amid submissions from 11 countries, GB Public School stood apart for its innovative responses to both social and spatial challenges. The circular library, low-cost passive cooling systems, child-scaled interiors, and sustainability-forward materials all worked in harmony to create a vibrant and functional learning environment.
Designed to serve rural students from modest backgrounds, the school sets a new benchmark for inclusive and empathetic learning environments that inspire both academic and emotional growth.
With his win, Ar. Murugan adds an international milestone to India’s architectural landscape — showing that school architecture can be both poetic and practical, deeply local and globally admired. Celebrated by the AYDA–CCA jury for its boldness, beauty, and purpose, this project highlights India’s growing contribution to global school design.
Cite: “India Shines in Tokyo: GB Public School’s Design Wins Grand Prix Award 2025” 5 August 2025. GLSN. Accessed . https://theglsn.com/india-shines-in-tokyo-gb-public-schools-design-wins-grand-prix-award-2025/