Amidst the suburbs of Pune, lies an exquisite amalgamation of culture and modernism represented through architecture, SMEFS Brick School of Architecture. It is majorly influenced by the vernacular architecture of the old city, in making a contemporary interpretation of the courtyard Wada typology. The layering of spaces, symmetrical planning, and axial circulation form the essence of the campus plan. It is reminiscent of traditional city streets with their human scale and multipurpose use. The series of courtyards connecting the studios, the overlooking corridors, the fusion of linear and angular modules, and the use of exposed materials like bricks, glass, and concrete offer visual imagery of the space and enhance the experiential quality for the users.
Sprawling across an area of three thousand and five hundred square meters, the entire space is segregated into three zones, Front zone-entrance, and admin zone. Central zone–interactive court. Rear zone – studios and the oat, creating symmetry throughout the space. Two classrooms with mirrored plans, one accessed through stairs and one using a ramp, connected by balconies. Skylights provided for natural light to enter within. The rooftop of the administration block is accessible, creating engrossing levels. The sloping roof design is such that it complements the mountains behind in elevation, accommodates seating arrangements and it also washes rainwater off the structure.
The ideator of this structural marvel, Ar. Girish Doshi paid tribute to legendary architects by naming spaces and blocks after them. Achyut Kanvinde central plaza, Nari Gandhi classrooms, Charles Correa Library, and Le Corbusier Street are a few examples. There are symbolic references to the Panchtatva through various planning elements. The entrance, the pravesh dwaar, leads to a semi-open lobby, acting as a transition space leading to the main building. The open-air theatre located near the entrance symbolizes a Gyankund. A series of trees and internal courtyards maintain air circulation, ‘Vayu’ of panchtatva elements.
The fundamental design objective is the interaction of spaces, demonstrated in the layout planning. The library, curated in exposed concrete, plays a significant role in the complex because it is envisioned as an incubator of gained knowledge and learning. Physical access is flexible regardless of whether the administration is open, and current smart card technologies provide security.
An informal discussion in the extended studio in the courtyards, a jury panel exhibition set up in the court, coming across an innovative piece of work displayed along the passage – these are all evidence that when these elements are combined, it does not become an exercise in remembrance, rather takes ‘design interaction’ to the next level. These spaces are also integrated with balconies above as display or jury conducting areas.
The facility of Brick School of Architecture houses faculty cabins of occupancy of seven, a meeting area of forty, studios of forty, a library of twenty, and a seminar room of one hundred. The Corridors and projected balconies connect the studios to the natural context. The open spaces are curated with a multiutility vision like cultural activity, interactive spaces, open studios, and a central plaza. The open and closed zones are connected both visually and physically to create a cloud environment for study purposes and as an inspiration for architectural thoughts and ideas.
Various energy-efficient design strategies are incorporated into the building. Open workshop spaces are designed for interactive learning experiences and rainwater catchment pits to create awareness amongst the students about the importance of climatic responsive architecture. The structure also consists of solar panels induced in roof design. The design intended to be close to nature Skylight on top of classrooms, and accessible to every part of the building. Balconies are located just adjacent to the classrooms, along with building corridors, as connecting spaces. The O.A.T is located outside the building, with courtyards inside the library, on the second floor, and courtyards and a waterbody inside the admin block.
Brick School of Architecture is constructed by experimenting with new forms through structural concrete. The design bought nature inside the building and created a working environment design facilitating students and faculties to have the freedom to learn and teach anywhere on campus. The School of Architecture is part of a 9-acre integrated design campus that will later cater to other design courses, to foster inter-disciplinary design ideologies and processes.
References –
Online sources
- Anon, (2013). BRICK School of Architecture – An institution without boundaries – ArchitectureLive! [online] Available at: https://architecture.live/brick-school-of-architecture-an-institution-without-boundaries/ [Accessed 2 Apr. 2023].
- Doshi, G. (n.d.). Brick School of Architecture. [online] Girish Doshi. Available at: https://girishdoshi.com/project/brick-school-of-architecture [Accessed 3 Apr. 2023].
- NavyaTessSabu (2020). BRICK school of architecture, case study. [online] Available at: https://www.slideshare.net/NavyaTessSabu/brick-school-of-architecture-case-study [Accessed 3 Apr. 2023].
Images/visual mediums
Citations for images/photographs – Print or Online:
- Image 1- (URL: https://girishdoshi.com/project/brick-school-of-architecture)
- Image 2- (URL: https://architecture.live/brick-school-of-architecture-an-institution-without-boundaries/)
- Image 3- (Picture Credits- Ghazal Gujral)
- Image 4- (URL: https://girishdoshi.com/project/brick-school-of-architecture)
- Image 5- (Picture Credits- Ghazal Gujral)
- Image 6- (URL: https://girishdoshi.com/project/brick-school-of-architecture)
