Shared by the architects upon our invitation.
Harvee School redefines the essence of educational spaces by harmoniously merging architecture, nature, and imagination. With its organically curving forms, earthy textures, and playful design elements, Harvee embodies a holistic approach that nurtures the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of children.
Strength and Stability: The entrance to the school features a striking ribbed column, serving as a focal point that welcomes students, staff, and visitors alike. The ribbed design not only adds architectural interest but also provides structural support, symbolizing strength and stability. The column’s dynamic form complements the organic aesthetic of the school, setting a distinctive tone for the overall architectural expression.
Architecture Inspired by Imagination: At Harvee, the architecture flows like the uninhibited thoughts of a child curved walls, arched windows, and spiral staircases inspire endless creativity, optimizing spatial efficiency and visual interest. Moving away from conventional box-like designs, the school embraces fluidity, allowing spaces to breathe and evolve with the children. The classrooms are designed with organic shapes, eschewing traditional rectangular layouts. Every corner, hallway, and classroom is designed as a canvas for exploration, making learning a joyful journey.
The Central Courtyard: A Creative Nexus: At the heart of the school lies the central courtyard—a vibrant hub of activity. This multifunctional space accommodates a sculptural spiral staircase that connects the floors, allowing sunlight to pour into corridors and classrooms. The courtyard doubles as a space for informal gatherings and creative play, fostering a sense of community while maintaining a visual connection across levels. The amphitheater, designed in a curvilinear form along the perforated eastern wall, serves as both a prayer and gathering space, reinforcing the organic essence of the school.
Curves That Inspire Movement and Play: Children flow through their imaginative ideas .Their spontaneous and creative mind, alongside their bursting energy, must be cherished and encouraged to explore alternative worlds. The unconfined spaces in Harvee , sketch a flow – where toddlers to teens can sit and chat on down curves – play through meander visual appeal. The plasticity within spaces enhances student subjective quality .The up to down curls in Harvee’s cloister creates a feel of child cave like seating; with its openings creating complexion lighting within the interior space .
The playful yet functional design transforms routine school activities into memorable experiences where students can interact freely, while teachers can subtly supervise.
Earthy Palette Meets Vibrant Interiors: The earthy tones of exposed brick and mud finishes are juxtaposed with cheerful bursts of bright colours and patterned tiles in the interiors. This interplay not only uplifts the mood but also ensures, the building feels welcoming and alive. The combination of materials like Kota stone, white marble, and Kadappa in the flooring further accentuates the organic design, creating flowing patterns that echo the school’s overall architectural language and social well-being.
Natural Ventilation and Sustainability: Striking curved fenestrations – CREATES A unique visual identity and the captivating twisted exposed brickwork screen wall – exterior feature of toilet design, serves as a visual focal point.
The strategically placed perforations and openings in the twisted brickwork allow for the free flow of air, promoting efficient airflow and natural light, creating a fascinating interplay of light and shadow that enlivens the interiors. This thoughtful design helps to regulate indoor air quality, reduce humidity levels, and mitigate odours, creating a more comfortable and hygienic environment for students, staff, and visitors.
A Space for Every Need: From cozy niches for individual study to dynamic spaces for group activities, Harvee caters to the diverse needs of its students. Teachers’ spaces and the principal’s office are designed to encourage friendly interaction, fostering an inclusive atmosphere. The introverted planning of the structure enhances security, while the layered elevation, with its outward-projecting curves, creates visual intrigue and adds depth.
The school is designed in a way that, it skillfully integrates the needs and curiosities that are to be met – to allow the young child to try and catch a ray of sunlight in their hands, for the older children to have space for studying alone or in a group with spaces for individual teaching.
Inspiring Generations: Harvee School is more than a place of learning; it is a sanctuary where architecture transforms lives and fosters potential. Guided by the philosophy “Children are not things to be molded , but are people to be unfolded” said by Less Lair. Harvee empowers young minds to discover, nurture their potential and grow.
With its curved fenestrations, sunlit courtyards, and harmonious blend of nature and imagination, Harvee creates a nurturing environment brimming with wonder and possibility. Inspired by Frank Gehry’s philosophy “Architecture and any art can transform a person—even save someone.”, Harvee stands as a testament to the power of design to shape not just spaces, but the futures of the generations it serves.
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