Excerpt: Sangam by Myspace Architects is envisioned as a confluence of urban-rural coexistence, blending the modest character of an urban village with the aspirations of a growing city. Centered around its open hall, the educational space unites students and villagers, symbolizing progress while reflecting the evolving social dynamics of a village within a city and strengthening community bonds.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Sangam – Gateway to an Urban Village: Set in the humble background of an urban village, in the outskirts of Noida, Delhi NCR, stands Sangam, a school that tries to blend the paradox of an urban-rural coexistence. The project aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural infrastructure while empowering the villagers, majority of whom are farmers. Luksar is a beautiful village, home to a variety of bird species, ornate with lush green mustard farms, yet rapidly transforming and adapting itself to the inexorable urban sprawl.
Recognizing the needs of its residents, especially children, SMC Corporation India Pvt Ltd initiated a school project as part of its CSR efforts, to be built on the site of an old government school with depleting student numbers and modest facilities. The site identified was in an irregular polygon having heavy contours, with only two-wheeler access to the existing building, which was located at the highest contour level.
The architect re-located the new building to be placed on the lower middle contour towards one corner of the plot, that is easily accessible to the village and city both by foot and vehicle, also near to the village temple. The design strategy was evolved to cater to the strange observation of a “village within a city” and the complexities of their social dynamics. Hence the design evolved around a central open auditorium called Sangam (meaning confluence) that can cater to students as well as the villagers.
Design Strategy
Building as a confluence of urban rural setting: The Sangam is characterised by double heighted coffer roof and arched openings creating an ever-changing ambiance in the hall, as the light shifts throughout the day. The unique feature of the hall is that it frames every view, evokes a variety of moods by creating dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The space is visually engaging at all times encouraging children to dream beyond, express freely and explore the newer possibilities beyond.
Building orientation captures the warm winter sun while minimizing the harsh glare of summer heat, making the interiors comfortable and energy-efficient. The neutral colour shades on the coffer roof, manifests the freshness of nature. The polished marble flooring reflects the ceiling and surrounding environment, amplifying the spaciousness and elegance. While the connecting bridge on the upper level facilitates free movement and connectivity.
Building as an icon of progress: The sturdy dominating oval shaped mass of the Sangam is juxtaposed with classroom blocks in traditional linear forms, bringing out a sense of order and stability. The classrooms and toilet block connect to the centre hall on either side, forming an L-shaped building layout. The classroom features a veranda with rhythmic openings, acting as a gallery space for all the outdoor sports activities and school events during winter months, yet as a sun shade during the harsh summer months.
Since the completion of Sangam, student enrolments have more than doubled, reflecting the success of the project. For the villagers Sangam is more than just a school, it is a public pavilion, and has become a hub of community activities and skill development programs.
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