Shubbaam Rathi

The idea of the project is to explore the notion of play with the daily activities of children to create engagement that would stimulate the process of exploration, curiosity and learning. The intention is to establish a bond between nature and nurture to provide safe spaces for children to learn and grow. The project also focuses on creating interactive spaces for the public to gather and interact, thus creating a community space for visitors.

The Site for the Project is Batman Park which is located along the Yarra River with three very busy streets around the park. A part of the structure is on land and part in the river, keeping it away from the noisy area around the park and leaving the space in the park for public use by creating less intervention in the park. The existing walkways and terrain are modified in such a way that it is more welcoming and visually inviting. The existing trees are retained and are integrated within the structure by creating courtyards around them which create interesting play areas for children.

The Program is divided into three levels, with the ground level has more open space and common areas for children to roam around and play freely. The upper two levels are the accommodation and learning spaces for the children. Various configurations of sleeping and resting spaces have been amalgamated together to create one cluster so that children can choose their own comfortable space. The notion of play can be explored through different kinds of shower areas which can have group showers and outdoor shower areas making hygiene a fun aspect of the day.

The concept of folly has been explored by creating multiple hideout spaces and connecting them at various levels through steps and ramps where children can run and play freely. The northern façade of the structure is covered with an envelope of wooden louvers which create porosity for visual connectivity to the park and protect indoors from harsh weather conditions and also helps create seating spaces for the public.

Shubbaam Rathi
booklet
View booklet (on issuu)