ASIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, KOLKATA
Set amidst lush green surrounding, Asian International School, a stone’s throw away from Kolkata, will want you to go back to your school days. Part of a larger master plan that covers 28643.836 sq meters, the first phase was completed by Epsilon architects in 2014. As the facility expanded and numbers grew, the need for the annexe became imperative in a few years. Thus, the primary & secondary sections expanded to the new annexe with the additional facilities of an adequate cafeteria, large lunch room, a huge covered multipurpose hall and staff accommodation facilities.
The site situated on the outskirts of the western fringes of the city, on the national highway connecting Kolkata to Mumbai, the site sits parallel to the highway running from east to the westerly direction. Surrounded by open fields, abundant greenery on three sides and the highway towards the north, the site provided all the necessary ingredients for a satisfying architectural venture. A flat site as characterised by the region, the low lying land had to be filled to bring it up to the level of the highway. A clump of palm trees in the central and peripheral areas marked some interesting features of the site.
The master plan :
Two structures on the farthest ends were envisaged to run parallel to the highway running east west, thus, taking advantage of the large frontage as well as the southeasterly breeze during hot summer months. The central area was designed to form the assembly area coupled with basketball courts, cricket practice pitches, toddler’s play area and a swimming pool. Special care was taken to retain the clump of palm trees in the central area, with the sport facilities designed around it. A large football field was planned on the eastern side of the plot, with staff quarters on small notches available on the south east. Adequate parking facilities were planned along west side and the rear end of plot differentiating vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
The buildings :
Environmental studies & sun path diagrams done on the area prescribed the east -west axis. The east west Corridors channelised the wind from the south east, moving upward through the “wells” planned alongside staircases & other areas, bringing comfort during hot & humid summers. The facade was planned with larger openings towards the northern side & comparatively smaller openings are found on the southern side to block the harsh south & western sun. The larger window openings towards the north bring in soft natural light all throughout the day. Classrooms placed on both sides of the central corridor have uninterrupted views of the lush green surrounding, open fields & blue skies; ideal ingredients for the healthy and happy growing up years -giving students a sense of freedom. Such expansive open views are also a highlight for the students. The unpretentious facade, wears the “institutional look”, with triple height columns supporting pediments and terraces.
The front road facing block towards the north, houses the administration offices, kindergarten, science labs, art, music & multipurpose rooms other than spacious classrooms. The east & west wings separated by a central hall that opens out to the assembly area beyond.
The rear block towards the southern fringe of the site, accommodates a large kitchen and canteen facilities, a 9,393.3 square foot column free multiple purpose hall for indoor sports, performances and other academic requirements is located on the topmost floor. Some accommodation for teachers are also planned in the rear block other than classrooms pertaining to curriculum standards.
Location: Dhulagarh ,Howrah
