The Physical Infrastructure
Visualised as a “school for learning” for children, teachers and parents, the physical space of Shikshantar reflects beauty, thoughtfulness and interaction with the elements. For the child it represents a place where a variety of modes are available for children to weave in and out of large and small groups and individual places of learning; a space where children feel a sense of belonging.
Well-ventilated and well lit, classrooms with large windows are designed for comfort in varying weather conditions of North India. The positioning of the rooms allows breeze to blow through the east-west and north-south air corridors.
Shikshantar is situated on two separate plots of land, separated by a distance of fifty metres. The infrastructure for each site is self-contained and as per the requirements of the specific age group.
The Pre-Primary School is built on 1.2 acres of land and houses Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Kindergarten, art and music rooms, a central hub for various school activities, a pre-primary library, VanarVatika, sandpits outside every group, large front and back lawns, turtle and fish ponds and a hugely attractive slide.
The large school campus is built on 6.2 acres of land and contains the primary school, middle school, senior school, playgrounds and extensive infrastructure.
The Primary School houses Classes I to IV, a library, playgrounds, a general science laboratory, open terraces for group activities, a cycling track, an art area, a theatre room, a dance area, a music room, a lunch area… and the children’s favourite, a big slide.
The Middle and Senior School houses Classes V to XII; well equipped laboratories for physics, chemistry, biology, home science, geography, computers; a large library, art and pottery rooms, Indian and Western music rooms, dance rooms, AV room, meditation room, resource room, medical room, dining hall and a large amphitheatre.
Sports facilities include a multipurpose hall with badminton courts, a football field, cricket nets, basketball court, table tennis, volleyball court, equipment and floor space for gymnastics.
Balconies and terraces are used extensively in the Shikshantar campus for circle time, project work, small and large group interactions. A diverse ecosystem that houses many trees, bushes and plants, a large snakes and ladders floor, rock garden, butterfly garden and vegetable garden – all contribute to creating spaces that evoke enduring sensory and interactive experiences.