Ash A. Parekh

KLES World School is located at Belgaum, Karnataka and is surrounded by a typically lush scenic background. The school is synonymous with the idea to educate young minds so that they achieve the best intellectual and cognitive developments. Like its noble mission and vision, the educational ground is enriched with world-class amenities to cater to the contemporary thoughts of an ever-changing and fiercely competitive Indian educational sector. The School building is delightful to look at. With its modern design, open-ended corridors and beautifully unique architecture it promises to nurture fearless intelligence and sharp intellect of the enrolled pupils. Client Brief The school developed by the prestigious Karnataka Lingayat Educational Society is spread out across 2.5 Acres site in the Kuvempunagar Community of Belgaum and caters to primary and secondary education. The campus offers several well-equipped sports facilities and amenities like an Amphitheatre, Swimming Pool, Football Field, a secure Play Area and an Athletic Track thus encouraging co-curricular activities for all-encompassing cognitive development of the students. Design Response Before developing the Master Plan, the Architect had several brain-storming sessions with the school management to understand the cultural dynamics and the creation of formal learning nodes within an informal, yet structured environment. The conceptual form of the school incorporates two interconnected academic wings which are separated by a focal domed-block. Acting as a catalyst, this focal domed-block houses the atrium lobby, library, labs, etc. The spatial demarcation between the two wings was further enhanced via the creation of interactive social green plazas. For effective cross-ventilation, the building functions as a hybrid wind tunnel, where the single-loaded classrooms blocks are flanked by oxygenated green plazas connecting the C-shaped wings. The site is flanked on three sides with asphalt roads, which led to a distinct boundary for entry of school buses and private cars or motorbikes. It also offers an innovative master layout resulting in a safe and secure student pedestrian zone. 3D preview of KLES World School, located at Belgaum, Karnataka The natural topography of the land towards the South allowed for a partial basement,that accommodates utilities, parking, and storage while allowing a convenient uni-directional vehicular flow. A portion of the basement roof has been innovatively used as an Open-Air ‘Stepped Grand Stand’ for viewing the spacious 22,000 square foot playground. Electrical panels, conduits and hazardous devices are locked in vandal-proof utility closets. The student desks are detached modules, allowing flexibility for seminars, group discussions, one-on-one academic sessions and customized educational set-ups. The classrooms are abled with internet access and smart boards that help it to function as Global Net Classrooms. KLES World School, Belgaum Challenge The access and entry point to the site is restricted to one side as roads with heavy vehicular congestion surround the remaining three sides. The site is narrow that results in a restricted vehicular movement which leads to organized site traffic. Furthermore, due to the limited availability of open space, the parking facility for school buses had to be accommodated in the 4.25 m basement. About The Opus D’sign Studio The Opus D’Sign Studio, popularly known as “TODS” is a multi-faceted firm with its forte in institutional, educational, medical, residential & industrial designs. The multi-disciplinary practise has expertise in the field of Architecture, Interiors & Program Management. The growing list of reputed clientele and diverse project typology is a testament to their exemplary design approach, commitment to quality, integrity and professionalism. Their dedication to quality design and effective client servicing has resulted in TODS being a preferred choice for projects on a PAN India basis. Mr. Ash Parekh, with an experience of over 30 years in India & Abroad, is the Principal Architect of The Opus D’Sign Studio (TODS). He worked primarily in the Washington DC area for over 16 years on a diverse portfolio of projects. Due to his international exposure, Parekh continues to keep abreast with innovation in master planning and building technologies. He has conducted several lecture series on Project Management and Design and Master Planning issues that have been organized by National Architectural Institutions. He also acts as a Visiting Professor at Leading Institutions. Synonymous with an innovative global outlook, TEAM TODS believes in inculcating designs with superior technological solutions using “State of the Art” materials & aesthetic appeal.

Ash A. Parekh

KLES World School – Inculcating Contemporary Requirements within a Colonial Architectural Context