Share This Article
- Project: School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Children, Gandhinagar, India
- Architects: SEAlab
- Principal Architect: Anand Sonecha
- Area: 750 m?
- Year of Completion: 2021
- Photography: Bhagat Odedara, Aakash Dave, Dhrupad Shukla
Nestled in the heart of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, lies a beacon of hope and opportunity for blind and visually impaired children from remote villages and towns across the region. Designed by Anand Sonecha’s SEAlab, this innovative school aims to provide not just education but also avenues for a brighter future in society. With its thoughtful design and sensory-focused approach, the school sets a new standard for inclusivity in architecture.
- A Remarkable Example of Designing for Inclusivity
- Embracing Sensory Learning
- Creation of Spatial Awareness
- Innovative Communication Techniques
- Sustainable and Inclusive Features
A Remarkable Example of Designing for Inclusivity
At the core of the school’s design philosophy lies the principle of creating spaces that can be navigated using more than just sight. Recognizing the diverse needs of its students, many of whom have low vision, the architects adopted a holistic approach to design, incorporating various sensory cues throughout the building. From contrasting colours and textures to strategically placed skylights and openings, every element of the design serves a purpose in enhancing the students’ spatial awareness and facilitating independent navigation. The central courtyard, with its aromatic plants and textured walls, provides a sensory-rich environment where students can engage with their surroundings and develop a mental map of the space.
Embracing Sensory Learning
One of the most remarkable aspects of the school’s design is its emphasis on sensory learning. In a building designed for visually impaired individuals, traditional modes of communication such as visual aids are not sufficient. Instead, the architects adopted an innovative user engagement approach, actively involving students and teachers in the design process from the outset. Using tactile models and 3D-printed drawings, they were able to effectively communicate design concepts, allowing students to touch and visualize the spaces before construction began. This inclusive approach not only empowered the students but also ensured that their unique perspectives were incorporated into the final design, creating a sense of ownership and belonging.
Creation of Spatial Awareness
Spatial awareness is paramount in a building designed for the visually impaired, and the architects took great care to address this challenge. By carefully designing the layout of the classrooms and corridors, they created distinct auditory and tactile cues that help students navigate the space with confidence. Varying ceiling heights and widths, along with different wall textures, provide tangible markers that allow students to identify different areas of the building by sound and touch. Additionally, the use of smooth and rough Kota stone flooring further aids in navigation, with rough stones marking the entrance to each classroom and smooth stones indicating circulation pathways.
Innovative Communication Techniques
Communication with visually impaired students posed a unique set of challenges for the architects, but they rose to the occasion with innovative solutions. A code of textures was developed, overlaying the architectural plans to provide tactile representations of the building layout. These textures, along with tactile models and Braille signage, enabled students to understand the spatial organization of the building and navigate it with confidence. Full-scale line-ups and mock-ups during the construction phase allowed for real-time feedback from students and teachers, ensuring that the final design met their needs effectively and fostering a sense of collaboration and community.
Sustainable and Inclusive Features
Beyond its focus on inclusivity, the school also incorporates sustainable features to minimize its environmental impact. Traditional rainwater harvesting techniques, such as Khambhati Kuva, are employed to collect and recharge groundwater, while a diverse range of plants and trees are planted on campus to provide shade and improve the natural environment. These initiatives not only contribute to the sustainability of the building but also create a nurturing and eco-friendly learning environment for the students, fostering a sense of connection with nature and promoting a culture of environmental stewardship.
The school for the blind and visually impaired in Gandhinagar stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when design and inclusivity intersect. By prioritizing sensory experiences and embracing innovative communication techniques, the architects have created a space where every student can thrive and learn with confidence. As we look to the future of architecture, projects like this serve as inspiration for creating spaces that are not just accessible but truly inclusive for all, paving the way for a more equitable and empathetic built environment.