ABOUT THE ISSUE
All along, typologies in architecture have got further chiseled and refined with time, projecting the changing aspirations and the urge of the architects and designers to create spaces that are communicative and generate a sense of belonging amongst their inhabitants and users. Apart from playing with form, the architect today is fairly conscious to evolve designs that address the modern- day concerns of energy efficiency and sustainability in the built environs. Today, he/ she adapts these environment- smartness planning derivatives right in the planning stage of a project. Despite the strong influence soft he global style of design and architecture, they are striving for that balance between the extremes. In architecture for education also it is no different. A significant section of this Issue portrays some eclectic projects related to this theme and which pointedly display strong impulses to harmonize the built with the immediate surrounding context.
Irrespective of the scale of the project, powerful thrusts are felt in creating spaces where while function is addressed with efficiency, they simultaneously ease the related stresses to studying, achieving the target with a fine mingling of playfully handled design elements such as colour, pattern, texture and such others.
There is no denying the fact that the aesthetics of educational institutions are more somber in character than they would be for let’s say, retail architecture- which often displays flamboyancy and a glitz andgl am our. And this distinction is often brought about by appropriate selection of materials on the facades, the form of the built structure, etc. The craft of designing unhindered connectivity between the outdoors and the indoors plays a significant role here. As you will observe while going through these projects designed to positively and cheerfully impart and share knowledge, the environs here are relaxed, fresh and enduring to add a cheer. The project range published- from a cozy nursery school to a large university campus, they all respond instinctively to harbor a conducive rapport with nature. Some of the bold planning concepts here are no doubt pointers to a holistic and futuristic design vocabulary in this typology.
A dictionary defines the meaning of pedagogy as ‘ the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept’. There is a fast- growing demand to evaluate/ overhaul the concepts and methodologies in the teaching of architecture and to bring about a paradigm shift in churning a stronger and more engaging bond between the architecture education curriculum and the practice. The published essay on this theme should no doubt bring you closer to the understanding of emerging viewpoints.
“To create, one must first question everything”
— Eileen Gray