The
Shri Ram School provides opportunities and a positive
environment that fosters creativity,
independent thinking, exploration and experimentation.
The curriculum promotes physical, mental and social
development and sound
ethical values.
The building in addition to fulfilling functional
requirements endeavours to reflect and support
this philosophy. The journey through the corridors
of the school is one of discovery
with surprises at every turn. A close relationship
between the indoors and outdoors is maintained;
with both being adaptable to multiple
uses. The variety of indoor
and outdoor gathering spaces
promotes a healthy interchange amongst students
and teachers.
Colour
is integral to the design, accentuating
silhouettes and planters. Classrooms are
clustered around bright, airy courtyards
with coloured steel, roof bands and doors.
In contrast the exterior is relatively
solid and plain. The result is a
de-institutional, friendly
building that enriches both the learning
and teaching process.
The
India International Centre built in 1962 is a
low-density building surrounded by gardens
that visually extend into the adjoining Lodhi Park.
The IIC, along with its companion buildings in Lodhi
Estate, forms an oasis of quiet and serenity in the
bustle of present-day Delhi. The Annexe, built on a
non-contiguous plot 30 years later in a changed urban
climate that necessitated a much denser development,
attempts to nonetheless retain the essential character
of the original centre.
The
tight site sandwiched between the neighbouring plots,
however, had the invaluable assets of half a dozen old
trees on the site and a shared rear boundary with Lodhi
gardens. The curved guest room wing embracing the tree
in front, the semi enclosed court
to the south are some of the features that resulted
from the attempt to retain these.
The
double height circular well in the centre of the building
is the pivot that links the public spaces located at
the ground and basement levels and also lets
light into the basement. The character
of the ground floor is one of transparency
with linked views of the gardens on all 4 sides. The
more private members areas are on the upper floors with
the dining room and lounge opening onto
terraces overlooking the park.
