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Guided by
Prof. Vishwanath Kashikar
Master of Architecture
Faculty of Architecture
March, 2016
Dedicated to,
U N D E R TAK I N G
I, Amrit Sharad Narkar, the author of the dissertation titled Learning + Space: Designing a
school demonstrating spaces that nurtures the process of education, hereby declare that this is an
independent work of mine, carried out towards partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of
M.Arch degree in Architectural Design at the Faculty of Architecture, CEPT University, Ahmedabad.
This work has not been submitted to any other institution for the award of any degree/diploma
Disclaimer
This document describes work undertaken as part of the M.Arch degree in Sustainable Architecture
at the Faculty of Architecture, CEPT University. All views and opinions expressed therein remain
the sole responsibility of the author, and do not necessarily represent those of CEPT University, the
Dissertation Guide(s), or the Dissertation Committee.
Abstract
There is a very close relationship of learning and space; built and unbuilt, as they both
influence each other in both tangible and intangible way. The spatial configuration and
character plays a significant role in influencing the learning process. It also contributes
the method and nature of teaching, by its physical response to the context it places itself,
the ideology it follows and the socio-cultural fabric it gets stitched into. There are various
architectural elements like the courtyard and in-between spaces which always have been a
part of the built environment in a built or unbuilt form. When these elements realized as an
important tool for learning, it got explored further and became an integral part of a design of
an educational environment. This thesis begins with developing spatial narratives in context
of learning through analyzing various education centers, which employs pedagogical
approach which uses the built and unbuilt environment as a tool of education.
Schools are always designed with taking the considerations of the contents like the
curriculum and the way the classes are being conducted. The child is a very curious and
keen observer, attempting to approach designing of school from a childs point of view will
further develop the relationship between learning and the spatial narratives, which will also
provide resources for these curiosities to flourish in an educational setup.
To understanding a child we have to watch him at play, study him in his different moods;
we cannot project upon him our own prejudices, hopes and fears, or mould him to fit pattern
of our desires. If we are constantly judging the child according to our personal likes and
dislikes, we are bound to create barriers and hindrances in our relationship with the child
and his relationship with the world1
These findings are further demonstrated in Krishnamurti foundation of India school which
is based on philosophy of Dr. Jiddu Krishnamurti who stresses on allowing children
exploration for better learning. This philosophy also considers the presence of nature in a
learning environment, which is a vital tool of developing individual pattern of learning and
exploration. These considerations further helps in exploring the findings and articulating
them into a physical and pedagogical context that exploits the situation. Design of
Krishnamurti School in presence of nature in the campus further enhances the use of these
gestures as tool of learning.
Krishnamurti, J, Education and the significance of life - London Victor Gollanez Ltd. 1962
ii
Aknowledgement
I take this as an opportunity to express my deepest gratitude towards CEPT University and the people
who work rigorously to keep it working. It has been an excellent platform and helped me to explore
and grow as a person by providing most amazing learning experience of my life.
I am thankful to my thesis guide Prof. Vishwanath Kashikar for being patient enough with my cluttered
thoughts and help channelizing my ideas into a thesis and developing my understanding of my subject.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude towards Dr. A Srivatsan for his constant inputs towards
structuring my thesis through extensive discussions and the amount of time and efforts he offered
for my thesis. I am also grateful to him for introducing me to various other fruitful sources which
contributed to my work.
I am thankful to Krishnamurti Foundation of India for their productive inputs in developing my
understanding of my subject and sharing valuable information with me.
It is my privilege to express my sincere regards to all my Mentors and Professors who have contributed
to make my learning experience worth during these four semester. I would like to specially thank Ar.
Gurjit Singh Matharoo and Prof. Rajesh Sagara for developing a curiosity to explore and confidence
to trust the instinct, Prof. Miki Desai and Ar. Sachin Bandukwala for helping me develop an eye for
reading and learning from things to develop an understanding of a whole.
Time in CEPT University was the most memorable one I have ever had. I would like to express my
sincere thanks, as it wouldnt have been possible without my friends Palaksha, Pranjal, Amit, Aswin,
Harshoday, Hrushita, Sandesh, Vidisha, Brijesh, Madhur and Vishal.
I would like to specially thanks Kruti for always being there supporting me at every stage through
extensive discussion on topic and helping me keep myself organised throughout. Last but not least my
parents, brother Shashank, his wife Bhakti and my niece Kavya for being a constant support one way
or the other in my journey of Architecture till date.
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Contents
Abstract i
Acknowledgement ii
Contents iv
List of Figures vii
1 Thesis Proposal 1
1.1 Hypothesis
1.2 Introduction
1.4 Methodology 4
2 Learning and Space 5
2.1 Educational Ideologies
11
13
21
23
2.4 Explorations
27
2.5 Demonstration
39
List of Figures
Fig 1,2,3,4 - Sequence of the spaces which unfolded as I ran across the dark corridor of my
school which opened into a bright naturally lite courtyard
12
4- Meandering Pathway 12
5 - Section of corridor space in front of library
12
13
13
13
13
16
16
16
22
22
22
26
Illustration 6 - I used broken geometric shapes which expands and contracts the space. This
expansion and contraction leads to the moment in space and exposure to varying volumetric
modulation inspiring the use of the space. 26
Illustration 7 - I expressed overlapping of various patterns of element where the flow of ground can
be completely negated by flow of overhead element and flow various spaces flows in to each other
causing formation of new space. 26
Illustration 8 - the geometric spaces are fields of experience this illustrates how allowing
opportunities to choose from the range of fields of experience and its sequencing can develop
wide varieties of spatial narratives. 26
9 - Model exploration showing overall siteplanning idea
28
28
28
12 - Sketches Explloration of Dark spaces which will instigate appreciation of the presence of light
28
29
29
17, 18, 19 - Model exploration of presence of built form in the school merged and enclosing the
surrounding making the non building space a classroom
31
20, 21, 22, 23 - sketches exploring the presence of built form in the school
31
24 - Sketches showing exploration of classroom as an entity and the understanding the core of
presenceof the school 34
25, 26, 27 - Model exploration of classroom cluster
34
28- Section schowing areas for crawling activities and levels for interaction of space
34
36
30 - Plan showing arrangement of working area in red around gathering area in yellow
36
31- Plan showing entrapping of natural elements inside the cluster of classroom
36
vii
32 - Section showing roof profile which will help in capturing various components of the natural elements
36
33, 34, 35, 36 - Various parts of the element captured through various size location and profile of
opening 38
37, 38, 39 - landscape mounds for meandering paths and scattered transitions through
38
40 - Design Plan demonstrating various spatial narratives developed for encouraging curiiosity of
exploration and learning
39
41 - Plan showing the entrance area under dense vegetation
40
42 - idea of blurring the built into the landscape thus deminishing boundaries
40
43 - Section through the dense vegetation showing the spatial quality with diferent trees of
different types 40
44 - Plan highlighting the common area and the mud caves wall
40
45 - Spatial Plan of the mud caves wall showing various range of spaces in the wall and also the
change in quality and intensiy of light inside
40
46 - Schematic Section through the top of wall
41
41
41
49 - Section through the common area and the mud cave wall
41
42
42
42
42
51 - Schematic section through interval showing the quality of light through the opening on top
which also lets in the rain to create connection with natural element
42
52 - Section through Classroom and Interval in between two spaces
42
56 - Plan highlighting various location of merging realms where landscape crawls up on the built
circulation area 43
57 - Model showing the ground rising and covering the circulation deck.
43
58 - Schematic plan showing the landscape encroaching the cricuation deck providing opportunity
to get into the wilderness around 43
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01
Thesis Proposal
1.1 Hypothesis
This thesis would like to investigate How learning environment (Built or Unbuilt)
augment learning or becomes a part of learning? and develop various spatial
narratives in context of an educational environment
Fig 1,2,3,4 - Sequence of the spaces which unfolded as I ran across the dark corridor of my school which opened into a
bright naturally lite courtyard
1.2 Introduction
As a child, school has always been one of the
difficult places that I have encountered. This
system was further enhanced by the spatial
arrangement, where the walls intimidating,
discouraging the view to outside and back or side
facing the only windows to outside. The content
taught was given with predefined results and to
be accepted without questioning or exploring it
further to deepen the knowledge. Now, when
I think of school, there is duality to the space
exists that in my mind, where there is another
set of experiences I had at that time. That was
the time where I experienced architecture without
pondering about it. I can still remember myself
running through the narrow corridors opening up
into a double heighted courtyard, those slippery
floor surfaces in monsoon, textures of wooden
railing of the stairs as I gripped it and of wall with
smooth plaster and rough where plaster got worn
out, act of climbing on trees to eat mangoes, the
broken part of stone wall on which we used to
sit to eat our tiffin, the feeling of the cool surface
of the stone slate after mopping it. Memories
like these contain the deepest architectural
experiences that I know. They are the reservoir of
the architectural atmosphere and series of images
that I can connect my schooling to. Traveling
across India, I have visited schools established by
various thinkers on education to propagate their
ideas. Every time I visited these schools, I have
experienced the similar joy which I used to have
while playing at my school, in learning and the
curiosity of exploration. During this, I frequently
revisited memories of my school although I
cannot trace any special form, there is a hint of
fullness and richness which makes me think that
I have felt this before. This has incited me to look
into philosophies, where the attempts were made
to imbibe joy and curiosity into the educational
environment. These institutions has evolved
various pedagogies to instigate characters that
also considers the physical environment as an
integral part of learning, taking from it and providing
opportunities for self-learning and explorations.
Going ahead from this point, I started investigating
into How learning environment (Built or Unbuilt)
augment learning Or becomes a part of learning?
To develop on this, I will be critically investigating
2
8 - CEPT, Ahmedabad
9 - Last School, Auroville
6 - Worn-out Plaster
1.4 Methodology
U n d e r s t a n d i n g
of relationship between
LEARNING
andS P A C E
To understand how learning
environment (Built or Unbuilt) augment
learning or becomes a part of learning.
To understand childs relationship
with the environment and the responses
to various feature
To identify various features and
parameters responsible to encourage,
facilitate and nurture learning.
To understand feature and
responses for further enhancement if
necessary
To demonstrate the developed
feature in an built environment of the
school
Understanding need of
Education
Education Ideologies
Learning over Teaching
Architectural responses to
Learning
CASE STUDIES
The School, KFI,
Chennai
Nandanam school,
Auroville
S t u d y
o f
ELEMENTS
Marudam school,
Thiruvenamallai
Demonstration of
ELEMENTS
4
02
Mahatma Gandhi
Nai Talim
1 http://www.mkgandhi.org/articles/
gandhian-educational-system.html
Rabindranath
Tagore
Self Realization:
Spiritualism is the essence of humanism; this concept
has been reflected in Tagores educational philosophy.
Manifestation of personality depends upon the selfrealization and spiritual knowledge of individual.
Intellectual Development:
By intellectual development he means development of
imagination, creative free thinking, constant curiosity
and alertness of the mind. Child should be free to
adopt his own way learning which will lead to all round
development.v
Physical Development:
He gave much importance to sound and healthy physique.
Love for humanity:
Tagore held that the entire universe is one family.
Education can teach people to realize oneness of the
globe. Education for international understanding and
universal brotherhood is another important aim of his
educational philosophy.
Freedom:
Freedom is considered as an integral aspect of human
development. Education is a man-making process, it
explores the innate power exists within the man.
1
7
http://www.worldwidejournals.com/ijar/file.
Co-relation of Objects:
Co-relation exists with God, man and nature. A peaceful
world is only possible when correlation between man
and nature will be established.
Mother tongue as the medium of Instruction:
Language is the true vehicle of self-expression. Man can
freely express his thought in his mother-tongue.
Dr. Jiddu
Krishnamurti
- J. Krishnamurti
1 - In-Between spaces
2 - Stepped sitting
3 - Kund
4 - Courtyard
1
2
http://www.arthistory.upenn.edu/themakingofaroom/catalogue/section5.html
McCarter, Robert. Louis I Kahn.2005.print
10
03
Case Studies
11
12
13
14
15
The study spaces are designed as per the way of teaching where the students are been demonstrated
certain task and then they have to perform it as they want and where they want. The study area on
the south-eastern part of the school is the biggest study space in size and also spatially as it extends
into a veranda which have a tree surrounded by plinth. This gesture of taking in a tree increases
opportunities of varying use of space and also makes the nature part of the space.
The school consists of three courtyards each one completely different in nature. The entrance
courtyard the stepped courtyard and a courtyard with veranda. The entrance courtyard is designed
to turn into a dense vegetated space. The stepped courtyard is used for early morning gathering and
also is a spill over space for three study spaces which also act as places used for discussion with
smaller groups. It is also place which is used for performances and smaller gatherings. The third
courtyard is comparatively a well shaded place with tree in a middle. This courtyard is majorly used
by students for studying alone as it is well isolated faced by the walls of three study spaces and a
staircase on the fourth.
16
04
Elongation
transition
Exposure
modulation
of
to
time
of
volumetric
Participating nature as an
active part of the school
C1
C2
A
C3
17
19
05
Site
Pallikarnai Wetlands
Nanamangalam Lake
Nanamangalam
Reserved Forest
21
This thesis will further demonstrate the findings through designing of a school. For designing I am
considering the proposal of new school campus of Krishnamurti Foundations school.
22
Our minds are so cluttered up, with knowledge, with worries, with problems, with money, with
position and prestige; they are so burdened that there is no space at all; yet without space there is
no order.
When I look at this valley from a height and there is a direction because I want to see where I live,
then I lose the vastness of space. Where there is direction space is limited. Where there is a purpose,
a goal, something to be achieved, there is no space. If you have a purpose in life for which you are
living, concentrating, where is there space? Whereas if there is no concentration there is vast space.
When there is a centre from which we look, then space is very limited. When there is no centre,
that is to say, no structure of the me which has been put together by thought, there is vast space.
Without space there is no order, there is no Wclarity, there is no compassion.1
24
25
Illustration 6 - I used broken geometric shapes which expands and contracts the space.
This expansion and contraction leads to the moment in space and exposure to varying
volumetric modulation inspiring the use of the space.
Illustration 8 - the geometric spaces are fields of experience this illustrates how allowing
opportunities to choose from the range of fields of experience and its sequencing can
26
5.3 Explorations
27
28
29
of structure but not the flow of space. Lack of boundaries encourages connection with the wilderness
outside. The varying levels of the structure enhances the way connections take place as one keeps
changing the view point towards the context. The structure also blurs into the context and every time
after passing through the wilderness a person discovers the space.
30
31
Classroom is the place which are used for gathering and where concepts are introduced. This
changes the way we look at classroom. this explorations will look into class space through findings
and krishnamurtis philosophy.
33
Classes are imagined as a place where a child will have his own space which he can make every day
with his work and share it with everyone the gathering spaces are used for conducting classes which
is connected from outside by more than one entrance. There are multiple levels around the gathering
area which allows for various point of views of space around and place of solitude. The structure is
kept raised to protect from flooding and also provide more earth surface. Certain platforms are such
designed that they will encourage crawling. Crawling is important part of understanding the earth.
The spaces under the platform are dark spaces which can also be part of learning cause very few is
been thought of dark in the school. Similarly some of the terraces are made accessible so one can
see the sky and its magic in the day and even in the night. Very less has been explored about night
which have its own beauty and it will be interesting to understand night also not only the sky but
nature as whole.
24 - Sketches showing exploration of classroom as an entity and the understanding the core of presenceof the school
28- Section schowing areas for crawling activities and levels for interaction of space
34
35
It is also important to understand how one sees outside from inside. In developing this connection
there are various elements which plays role to channelize the attention. In this thesis I looked at
roofs, levels and vertical partitions to help channelize the attention. In roofs I explored how slopes
can be used to capture the vistas. Levels develop sense of curiosity into mind to see the surrounding
from different heights and every level offers different set of knowledge about surrounding. Partition
with its material can develop transparency and opacity. Providing openings to captures surrounding
creating vistas which changes throughout the year.
30 - Plan showing arrangement of working area in red around gathering area in yellow
31- Plan showing entrapping of natural elements inside the cluster of classroom
32 - section showing roof profile which will help in capturing various components of the natural elements
36
37
38
5.4 Demonstration
Parking
Entrance with
dense vegetation
Admin Area
Common Area
with mud cave
wall
Meandering
paths
Classroom
Clusters
Meandering
paths
Merging Realms
Library
Intervals
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40
41
42
Merging Realms
43
44
45
References
Books
Krishnamurti, J, Education and the significance of life - London Victor Gollanez Ltd. 1962
Pandya, Yatin N. Elements of spacemaking. Book - Ahmedabad Mapin Pub. Pvt. Ltd. 2007
McCarter, Robert. Louis I Kahn.2005.print
Anderson, Stanford Ed. On streets. - Massachusetts,Cambridge etc MIT Press 1978 - viii,
Websites
http://www.arthistory.upenn.edu/themakingofaroom/catalogue/section5.htm
http://www.mkgandhi.org/articles/gandhian-educational-system.html
http://www.steinerwaldorf.org/steiner-education/what-is-steiner-education/
http://www.mkgandhi.org/articles/gandhi_sarvodaya.html
`Because there is space, there is emptiness and total silence.7th Public Talk Saanen, 24th July 1977
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