Can the architecture of a school influence education? Many believe that it can, and the Bloomingdale International School in India aims to demonstrate this from the early years of students’ lives.
Located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, in southeastern India, the school’s philosophy includes offering an unconventional educational experience, reflected also in its unique architecture designed by the team andblack.
The 400-square-metre school building connects to an existing structure via a sunken courtyard that follows the site’s topography, rising towards the new extension like a hill.
This design, catering to around 100 preschoolers, challenges traditional school layouts. The architects used innovative spatial organisation, modern technology, and robust materials to create a cohesive composition where the building, landscape, and interiors merge.
Departing from conventional box-like classrooms, the school features a 300-square-metre undulating interior space. This layout promotes fluidity and connectivity between classrooms, encouraging interaction and movement.
Play and learning areas merge, while the courtyard serves multiple purposes, functioning as a playground, teaching area, amphitheatre, or garden. Full-height glass panels and skylights blur the indoor-outdoor boundaries, integrating the landscape with the built environment.
Unlike typical schools for this age group, the design avoids bright, multiple colours. The architects explain, “The building should be a form of the landscape itself, not just a part of it.”
This concept is reinforced by the undulating roof, resembling waves and hills, allowing the structure to blend seamlessly into its surroundings when viewed from a distance. Alternatively, one might interpret the design as a protective cocoon for the children within.
The roof’s fluid form, covered in grass, was designed using computational tools. Its ingenuity lies in the dominance of the green surface over the built structure.
The creators emphasise, “It’s important that the project was realised within a limited budget by adopting efficient construction methods, utilising readily available resources and technologies.” Prefabricated materials played a role, with the roof’s structural core erected on-site using modified prefabricated elements to achieve the desired curvature.
From the interior, the roof creates a sense of mystery. Exposed structural elements contrast beautifully with the exterior turf, highlighting the materials’ natural character.
Natural light, streaming through skylights, enhances the restrained material palette and accentuates shapes. The play of light and shadow across the classroom throughout the day adds a dynamic, playful element.
Time will reveal the impact on the education of children who experience it as they grow into adults.
Photos: Vinay Panjwani