Nature’s Classroom – Hinduism

Walking into the new Lady Andal IB School in Chetpetpet, Chennai on a warm morning, I feel a sense of nostalgia. I spent my high school years in the city in the early 2010s, and I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the spaces I was familiar with as a student and this new campus—a majestic century-old banyan tree standing in the center of the campus, with branches It was widely spread and received a warm welcome.

on drawing board

The 54,000 sq ft building was designed by Chiraag Kapoor, the principal architect of his eponymous studio in Chennai.

Kapoor, a long-time parent at the school, has a personal connection to the site. “Over the years, I would often glance at this vacant piece of land when my daughters would drop off from school at the college’s sister campus. Although its use had changed, the tough banyan tree remained. When the school management proposed a partnership for When I designed a building for the IB program, I felt like I had embodied the opportunity,” Kapoor said.

An unconventional brief titled The Endeavor – Tactile Learning Environments that Incorporate Nature, Sustainability and Nurture Young Minds. Krithika Kumar Quintal, Honorary Secretary, Madras Seva Sadan, said: “Given the shift in pedagogy and social changes, there is an increasing need for practical learning and we understand that with Infrastructure changes are equally important.

The intersection of nature and architecture is gaining unprecedented momentum, with plans emerging in Indian and international cities. Notably, EuroSchool Campus in Bannerghatta, Bengaluru and Lalit Suri Hospitality School in Haryana are good examples of learning environments that blend seamlessly with their surroundings.

Classrooms and laboratories are flooded with natural light. Photo credit: Kunal Daswani

At Madame Andal’s Hotel, the banyan tree became the architect’s muse. “Healthy preservation of the tree and its legal protection is the only way to do it. We want students to learn not just from books, but from living examples of the interconnectedness represented by the fusion of architecture and nature.”

Learning background

The exterior of Lady Andal IB School, with banyan trees rising from the ground in the neighborhood. |Photo credit: Kunal Daswani

Kapoor’s building faces the Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall, conceived by Madras Seva Sadan and built by Executed by Kingsway Consultants – Kapoor’s building features a neutral palette and Doric fluted columns that blend seamlessly into the environment.

Bathed in grays and whites, the building consists of two blocks connected by an open corridor. The banyan tree is positioned at the center, setting the foundation for the layout with its visual and emotional gravitas.

The open-air canteen doubles as a classroom, with preserved banyan tree branches woven into its space. |Photo credit: Kunal Daswani

some tree care

Kapoor’s design team worked with Vaibhav Raje, ISA certified arborist and partner at Treecotech LLP, and Barrell Tree Consultancy (UK). The team established protected areas to protect the roots, monitored the soil to prevent compaction, and used special pruning to maintain stability. The building is elevated to allow for root ventilation through perforated pipes, and rainwater is directed from the roof to irrigate the roots.

From morning gatherings in the shade, to students dining and strolling under its branches, to teachers extending classrooms outdoors—the tree is a sentient participant.

“Children are full of energy and curiosity. Our design needs to reflect and foster these qualities through movement and exploration. I wanted to focus on how the school should feel and what routine dictates,” Kapoor said.

A classroom shaded by green trees. |Photo credit: Kunal Daswani

Talking design

Walkways and corridors bring students closer to the trees, turning them into vibrant open-air learning spaces. These circulation areas shed their purely utilitarian role and are transformed into open-air canteens, laboratories and flexible learning spaces, allowing for omnipresent views of the courtyard.

Children gathered under the shade of century-old trees. |Photo credit: Kunal Daswani

Walls and millstone floors are significantly pared back, while skylights and huge windows punctuate the view of mango, jackfruit and gur mohar trees.

Library interior. |Photo credit: Kunal Daswani

Features such as tactile guidance systems and accessible circulation routes ensure every student has smooth access throughout the campus. The interior features simple modular furniture that can be configured to meet the needs of different classes and activities.

The installation work “Dreamcatcher” by artist Parvathi Nayar. |Photo credit: Kunal Daswani

“Dream Catcher” is a 40-foot-tall installation designed by artist Parvathi Nayar that occupies the volume of a skylight. Made from stainless steel, acrylic, wood and metal fixtures, it echoes the talisman-like character of the space, which is both sculptural and interactive.

Practical experience

Through rainwater harvesting, solar panel systems and composting schemes, students are accustomed to learning these practices, while the campus is envisioned as a sustainability laboratory. By using the all-powerful banyan tree as the heart and lungs of the layout blueprint, the design team emphasized the connection between education and nature, strengthening the connection between the two.

“It’s rewarding to know that what we create will guide generations. I know I’m imparting experiences that are relevant to what kids need today. Their spaces will challenge stereotypes and naturally become memories of their time in school.” an ingrained part of it,” Kapoor concluded.