Inspired by an effectual educational approach, The Atelier is an unconventional learning facility designed by Bengaluru-based Biome Environmental Solutions, which strikes a balance between sensitivity and tactility that upholds a child’s sense of wonder.
In their primary cognitive years, children gather experiences from places which allow them a sense of personal control and freedom; in environments which augment their imagination. The Atelier is literally a creative studio for children aged 2-6 years; evolved from a harmonious understanding of a dexterous pedagogy.
Situated on a compact leased land in close proximity to a warehouse and a construction activity site, the architecture of The Atelier aspires to create an experience through orchestration of a transposable but economical scheme which stems from the understanding that, “The permanence of a building may no longer be a prerequisite in its design.……it is necessary to allow material recovery and recycling, or reconstruct the same building elsewhere – anything but create debris that will occupy landfills.”
Contrary to popular belief, spaces designed for children often leave traces of easy sentiment with pronounced anthropometry that inadvertently confines their innate ability to inquire. In fact, a casual but clever abstraction of their tectonic surroundings has an astounding impact on activities planned for their day.
Enlivened by a meandering, scaled-down townscape, the interior space is replete with alleyways and distinct activity zones eloquently dispersing from a central piazza.
The conceptual diagramming encapsulates different functions while establishing an intimate figure-ground relationship. The ingenuity lies in the way this construct effortlessly appeals to the young inhabitants without a hint of intimidation despite a strikingly bold structure. Inspired by the structural finesse of Frei Otto’s work, the architects proposed a ‘tree-like’ framework to support the roof. A compelling analogy is that of a traditional ‘gurukul’ setting. Each of the eight structural columns resembles a branching tree in a perceptible scale and enabling interaction not only with each other but also with the architecture.
At the Atelier, a subdued earthen interior palette permits the gaze of the eye to penetrate its surface convincing one of the veracities of its materials.
Complying with a tactual sensibility of the interior space, the use of paper lends itself effortlessly by becoming a part of the child’s daily activities. The composite architecture of The Atelier partakes in the sublime delight of ergonomic proportions that engages the senses. It embraces the fluidity of internal spaces and yet, is mindful of the simple geometry that it is enclosed within ⊗
BIOME ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS is a Bengaluru-based design firm with a keen focus on architecture, ecology and water. Formed in 2008 through a partnership between Chitra K Viswanath and Vishwanath S, their workplaces a strong emphasis on creating ecologically sound buildings incorporating the indigenous wisdom of vernacular design.
Information
Design Team: Chitra Vishwanath, Anurag Tamhankar, Sharath Nayak, Soujanya Krishnaprasad, Mahendar R, Shibani Choudhury, Prasenjit Shukla, Lekha Samant
Client: Ashutosh Aggarwal, Rythm Aggarwal, Suresh Kewalramani
Consultants & Contractors: Muralidhar Reddy (Contractor), Prasanna Kumar (Contractor), Mahendar R (Quantity Estimator), Mesha Structural Consultants
Year of Commencement & Completion: 2016
Architects’ Text Credits: Soujanya Krishnaprasad
