The school building has been conceived as an ‘energy efficient building’. To achieve this objective the building is designed around a square central courtyard. An 11-feet wide corridor runs along this courtyard and gives access to various rooms planned along the periphery. The central courtyard serves many purposes. It acts as hub of all activities and provides light and ventilation in the core of the building. Punjab has a hot and arid as well as hot and humid climate for seven to eight months in a year. In response to this climate, the central court has been developed as an effective constituent of architecture which has stood the test of time remarkably well. It provides welcome shade in hot summers, ensures cross-ventilation and acts as lungs to facilitate the buildings’ breathing. The court is an ideal place for sit-out and protects the users from hot winds in summer and chilly winds in winters. Conscious efforts have been made to bring in sufficient natural light in the interiors. Fenestrations have been judiciously located so that almost all the areas in the building get adequate natural light. Very deep areas, too far away from external windows have been avoided. Architect feels that the Sun is the source of all energy; one should be able to have a glimpse of sunshine outside while sitting inside. This way one remains cheerful throughout the day. The three- storied building has been designed in RCC frame structure with brick in-fill walls. The structural components and services follow the simple grid-iron pattern in a Cartesian manner. Wet areas like toilets and pantries have been placed in corners.
2014
