Ridge Valley School, Gurugram

The response was not merely functional but philosophical. The design makes a conscious effort to integrate open spaces in and around the building—not as afterthoughts, but as equal partners to classrooms and corridors. A playful character is imbued into every informal zone, from circulation spaces to gathering areas. The aim is simple: to make learning fun by giving informal space the same importance as formal. Classrooms teach. The spaces between them inspire. Together, they address the all-around development of the child.

This thinking extends even below grade. The basement, typically a dark, forgotten utility box, is here reimagined as a fun-filled activity zone. Ample natural light filters in. Access is easy. The space breathes.

The junior block is organized around a courtyard concept—a response ideally suited to the Indian climate. Classrooms arranged around an open court receive ample light and ventilation, while visual connectivity between floors breaks the monotony of enclosed spaces. A child on the first floor can glimpse life on the ground. The building becomes a connected ecosystem, not a series of isolated boxes.

The central courtyard doubles as a congregation space—large enough for mini assemblies, intimate enough for everyday gatherings. It promotes healthy interaction not by design mandate, but simply by existing as a place children naturally want to be.