The Out School is an adaptive reuse of an old, dilapidated house in a residential neighbourhood of Pune, into a pre-primary school run by two dynamic ladies and designed by Studio Infinity. The studio seeks to explore new design vocabulary for pre-primary schools.
Given the constraints of complying with the existing, odd structural layout, the spatial planning involved eliminating unwanted walls and toilets to make the space available for a multifunctional setup, allowing the teachers and students to interact at diverse levels regardless of spatial constraints.
In line with the existing column grid, a central corridor flanked with a series of bold-coloured arches separates the activity hall and the classrooms. The large front open space is left open for events and plays, while the meagre side open spaces serve as an extension of the classrooms, encouraging learning outside the bounds of the four walls.
Additionally, the rear open space creates a focal point for activities and promotes adaptability and freedom of use, further supporting non-conventional ways of teaching.
Bespoke elements like the sensory path, music wall and alphabet game act as minute details that aid learning. Comprising a material palette of cement floors, ceramic mosaics, wooden furniture and bamboo pergolas, the overall design gives a raw, earthy texture while the bold colours instil energy.
In conclusion, the design promotes non-conventional techniques of educating, encourages interaction and establishes an outside-inside connection, stirring the learning process.
