Fact File
Location: Bengaluru
Size: 8020 sq m
Principal Architect: Sanjay Mohe
Photography by: Hemant Patil

Ekya Byrathi by Mindspace Architects is a school for the CMR Group of Institutions. Mindfully conceptualised for varying age groups, from kindergarten to class 12, the edifice shields the interiors from the harsh western sun till 3 p.m., which is when the school day ends. Located on the rear side, the playground doubles up as an assembly area with a proscenium. The presence of varying volumes, skylights, a generous interspersion of foliage, and a staircase culminates in an amphitheatre, thus promoting a holistic and harmonious educational environment. This is the fourth school we are doing for our client, the CMR Group of Institutions. The idea of the EKYA brand of schools was established over the last few years; hence, certain standards and details had to be repeated from one school to another, yet our intent was for each campus to have its own site-specific identity.

The school is from kindergarten to class 12; hence, we had to design for different age groups with different sensitivities. The KG and lower primary section was treated as a school within the school, having its separate entrance, play area, etc. The site was abnormally long and narrow, with the longer sides facing east and west. Out of the site extent of 2 acres, 1 acre is left open for the playground. A decision was taken to locate the school building in the front part of the site so that it does not overlook the apartment on the adjoining site and to have the playground in the rear free of vehicular traffic. One of the longer sides of the school faces west.

However, the school closes at 3 p.m., and the windows are designed to shield the western sun up to that time. A movement spine runs across the length of the building, bringing in natural light and acting like a wind tunnel. Two large volumes are carved out, allowing the spine to open in both directions. As the spine’s apex, the main staircase transforms into an amphitheatre that connects the upper levels. Under the skylight, corridors at various levels open up to create spaces of varying volumes to address age groups of different sizes, informal learning spaces such as storytelling areas, and much more. The playground in the back doubles up as an assembly area. The rear façade of the building is designed to respond to this by creating a stage and proscenium.