Nandanam Kindergarten: A Playful and Holistic Learning Environment

Creating Spaces that Nurture Curiosity and Integral Learning

Nandanam Kindergarten, located in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India, is a testament to the power of architecture in facilitating natural curiosity, exploration, and integral learning. Designed by Path Architects & Planners, this unique kindergarten aims to create spaces that are responsive to the vast spirit of the child.

The design of Nandanam Kindergarten is inspired by the desire to nurture and enhance the inner wisdom of each child. The architects at Path Architects & Planners envisioned a space that defies convention and becomes a playmate for the child. The manifestation of cohesive connectivity and the integration of different scaled open spaces in the built form are some of the unique features of this design.

The use of alternative construction techniques, such as rammed earth foundation and hollow terracotta roofing, showcases the innovative building techniques employed in the realization of this design. Additionally, the buildings are designed to be low maintenance, with exposed brickwork that is both honest and communicative.

The center of the entire plan and the main focal element of Nandanam Kindergarten is the open courtyard. Shaded by an existing Neem tree, this courtyard serves as the calm anchor that holds the entire composition together. All the classrooms and activity rooms are arranged around this central space, creating a continuous band of activities akin to an internal street.

The design of Nandanam Kindergarten also takes into account the evolving and holistic system of education in Auroville. Flexibility was a key consideration, allowing the building to adapt to the changing needs of the educational institution. Despite the challenges faced during the design process, the architects successfully collaborated with the teachers, who were also the clients, to create a space that accommodates multiple ideas and perspectives.

Completed in 2014 after four phases of construction, Nandanam Kindergarten stands as a testament to the power of design in creating a nurturing and playful environment for children. The raised roofs and skylights evoke a spiritual connection to the sky, while the large windows and easy access to the outdoors establish a strong connection to nature.

Nandanam Kindergarten was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2019 for its outstanding and creatively ingenious design. This prestigious award recognizes designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to improvements in the quality of life.

Through its playfully interactive spaces, Nandanam Kindergarten provides a nurturing environment that becomes a playmate for the child, fostering their growth and development in a holistic manner.