Architecture, Educational Projects
Architecture, Educational Projects
Block B, Zaraj Housing Scheme, Islamabad.
Khizar Farooq Studios
Khizar Farooq Studios
89490
Design Consultancy
2012
2018
Flexibility and adaptability are key design requirements for any school. Designing accordingly, the school’s U-shape form ensures the maximum interaction within, focusing on green courtyards and water bodies with changing view frames. Aesthetics, ease of cleaning and a healthy atmosphere all lead to enhanced user satisfaction of concrete schools, redefining the traditional definition of brutalism.
The idea was to work with the concept of growth, of both the children and the building itself, as the concrete finish allows it to gradually blend in with the surrounding with vines and creeper coverings, supported by the stepped gardens and slopes.
Utilizing the inherent thermal mass of concrete enables cooling to be provided by the fabric of the school building and stops overheating. It’s mass and damping qualities can easily contribute to a productive environment, isolated from the noise and vibrations from adjoining rooms.
All materials are used in their purest forms, majorly grey tones with colour popping murals to bright up the interiors. Nature has been adequately incorporated to compliment the built finish. Ample amount of natural light and cross ventilation are the basic features worked upon. Comfort is important for effective teaching and learning, creating a school building environment that contributes to lifting the spirits and raising aspirations.
Bridges are introduced for connection between the different blocks, even the entrance is a bridge itself. Even with an area of only 6.5 Kanal and a limited budget, almost all major facilities have been accommodated such as a day care, swimming pool, gym, play grounds, double heighted auditorium and music room etc.
Planning ensures safety and convenience with preschool children on ground level and seniors upstairs, and maximum connections within the wings, with features like skylights and projections bringing out the spatial qualities. Overall a fun, creative, challenging and an ever growing space ensuring maximum learning outcomes and encouraging the students for their future life endeavors.
Project : S.L.S Montessori & School
Type : Educational
Architectural consultants: Farooq & Associates
Structural consultants: Eng Naseer-ud-Din (Block A) Eng Sajid Hussain (Block B)
Contractors: Farooq & Associates
Mep : Javed Brothers
Plot Size : 3265.5 syrds/ 29390sft
Covered Area : 89490 sft
Duration: 2015-2018
Photo Credits : Danish Ansari
Text By: Mavara Ahmad
Location : Block B, Zaraj Housing Scheme, Islamabad.
