Healthy Planet School,
design: vir.mueller architects
The Healthy Planet School project, by vir.mueller architects, is a subtle departure from traditional educational facility design patterns. The school, located in a densely populated part of the Indian city of Noida, near the capital Delhi, was designed as a "cocoon" - a safe and bright space that encourages children to learn and play out of the box.
Healthy Planet School in Noida - the exterior walls are almost entirely lined with brick
Photo by Andre J. Fanthome, Suryan & Dang © vir.mueller architects
structure with atrium
and sundial
The building has an irregular, near-rectangular plan. The three-story structure rests on slender concrete columns. The centerpiece of the building is an atrium, covered by a glazed tented roof. Inside it is a massive, free-standing cylindrical concrete "tower" that serves as both an elevator cover and a sundial, using the play of light and shadow to mark time. The building's walls are finished in red brick.
Healthy Planet School in Noida - building plan
© vir.mueller architects
education in a new dimension
The school educates about 200 children, who are divided into six age groups - from infants to six-year-olds. The interiors of the classrooms have been designed with art, music and dance classes in mind. According to the architects, children respond better to spaces characterized by fluidity of forms. Therefore, instead of the typical rectangular layouts with long corridors and sharp angles, the school's interiors are full of flowing lines. Its spatial layout is based on organic "cells" formed by rounded walls, varied by circular windows that surround a central courtyard. This arrangement facilitates free movement, supporting physical activity, play and exploration of the surroundings.
Healthy Planet School in Noida - view of the atrium and concrete "tower"
Photo by Andre J. Fanthome, Suryan & Dang © vir.mueller architects
natural light and fluidity of space
Light is another important element of the design, affecting the functionality and aesthetics of the interior. Round windows, reminiscent of skylights, and a glazed tented roof provide abundant natural lighting.
Healthy Planet School in Noida - the interior features flowing lines
Photo by Andre J. Fanthome, Suryan & Dang © vir.mueller architects
sustainable materials
and natural finishes
The school was designed to minimize the use of materials and forgo synthetic finishes such as paint and cladding. The design is complemented by concrete columns that contrast with red bricks laid to provide adequate thermal insulation. The interiors are finished with terrazzo paving floors, consisting of marble, granite and basalt aggregate. Balustrades made of light birch slats bring lightness and subtlety to the space, creating a contrast with the raw look of the bricks.
Healthy Planet School in Noida - view of the interior atrium
Photo by Andre J. Fanthome, Suryan & Dang © vir.mueller architects
educational and social space
for children and their parents
One of the school's facades features a graphic depicting play blocks, symbolizing its main purpose. The owners - Arunabh and Sonal Singh, experienced educators - made sure that the project was not just for education, but also to support the local community. One of the key features of the building is a coworking space for working mothers, combined with a café. A second highlight is the spacious children's library, which is accessible to all children in the area, regardless of whether they are school students.
Healthy Planet School in Noida - a view of one of the building's facades
Photo by Andre J. Fanthome, Suryan & Dang © vir.mueller architects
social and environmental dimensions of construction
The construction process, which took two years, provided stable employment for more than fifty workers, including masons, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. The builders and architects opted out of working with commercial construction companies, which created safe and stable working conditions. This not only raised the quality of the project's implementation, but also contributed to the development of the local community.
Healthy Planet School in Noida - the spatial layout of the building is based on organic "cells" formed by rounded walls
Photo by Andre J. Fanthome, Suryan & Dang © vir.mueller architects
an alternative to mass urbanization
Over the past two decades, India has experienced intense urbanization, which has affected the quality of architecture in cities. The school's design is an example of how thoughtful and responsible design can positively impact the quality of urban life by creating spaces that are functional and responsive to users' needs. Construction costs ranged from $42 to $45 per square meter, including finishing, proving that it is possible to balance the economic aspect with the quality of workmanship.
Compiled by Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of vir.mueller architects.
