MERCEDES BENZ INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Narratives

Architect Narrative

What exemplary ideas do the design contain that enhance learning?

The PTA “brain-storming sessions” led to creating “informal learning nodes within a structured geometric” environment. The IB Affiliated Institution has 3 divisions - Kindergarten, PYP (6-11 Years) & MYP (11-16 Years). We learnt that spatial demarcation via creation of “a plethora of flexible multi-level passive interactive” social courts encourages mixed congregation. The classrooms have direct access to the 3 “active” aptly equipped playfields (for the 3 divisions).

We learnt that instead of, standardized furniture, personalized “age-dependent” ergonomic & “fluid” furniture configurations enhances learning. The student desks are detached modules, allowing flexibility e.g. seminar, group discussion, one-on-one, academic set-up, etc. The students agreed that classrooms be equipped with Internet access- to function as “Global Net Classrooms”. Classrooms are equipped with “wet areas” & customized teaching aids. A combination of yellow/white light is provided for better rendition. Classrooms are equipped with “accordion” partitions to facilitate larger student workshops.

To encourage the Arts, buildings are painted using neutral colors - students create “friendly environmental coloration”. The promenades have niches for display of student art. The courtyard displays the “student graffiti wall” & sculpture. The library/media center is a 2-story space, demarcated vertically for younger/older kids equipped with story telling areas, reading rooms, AV room & computer lab. The amphitheatre configuration allows for nighttime oratory, dramas & stage shows.

The “acoustically detached” music room has individual practice rooms for personalized instruction. The pliable cafeteria functions as a yoga / meditation center, recreational room with table tennis & carom. The laboratories provide access to landscaped spaces for “real world” botanical experimentation.

What innovations in the planning, programming & design process supported the realization of those exemplary ideas?

The school consists of administrative, classrooms, utility & cafeteria blocks. An undulating perimeter wall made from local stone responds to the existing topography. One access/exit point restricts all vehicular traffic to the periphery& users can safely walk the 4-Acre campus using the covered promenades. The first aid room is located at the cul-de-sac.

The school operates under the “administrative umbrella” of 8 corporate sponsors. The PTA actively participated in land selection, programming and master planning. Since the student populous is anticipated to triple by 2005, the “fluid growth” was achieved by placing the future Gymnasium adjacent to the pool changing rooms. The strategic service road allows direct access to all utilities, loading docks & future hostel.

The temperature varies from 35° F - 105° F. Budgetary constraints did not allow HVAC systems, thus the sun/wind patterns were studied. For effective cross-ventilation, the buildings had to function as “hybrid wind tunnels”. The “single loaded” classrooms are flanked by proportionate “quiescent wind-catcher courts” with a 60’ long suspension bridge connecting the C-shaped wings. The12’ height, tinted glass fenestrations & westerly winds keeps rooms comfortable. Electrical panels, conduits & hazardous devices are locked in vandal-proof utility closets.

The pool-facing café is a juxtaposition of semi-covered & covered eating areas enhanced with an array of vibrant colors, shapes and lighting moods. The materials selected are locally available, with emphasis on ease of maintenance, vandalism & economics, e.g. the flooring in the high-traffic promenades is ironite floor

Educator Narrative

The facility was designed to deliver the programme of the IBO. As such it is very successful. The building does exactly what it was designed to do, which is to provide an extremely pleasant academic working environment supported by functional positions of playing and recreational areas.
The teachers, students and parents as well as the trustees and sponsors all think the school is a great architectural success. Everyone is delighted with the school.