School of Thought

Commercial Design looks into the trends in institutional design and its evolving principles.

- Rashmi Naicker

The malaise of institutional design in India was dominated by the continual propagation of archaic planning concepts and modular aesthetic classroom formats. However, modern tradition is now starting to dictate a slight detour. Learning is no longer restricted to the classroom, it can happen anywhere and it’s on this premise that architects and interior designers look to create a positive and flexible learning environment throughout the facility. Furthermore, teaching methods are evolving as education providers accept the role technology plays in today’s society.

Today the key to successful school interiors comes down to three simple elements: light, space and technology. Technological advancements put to bed the old blackboard learning style, and it’s because of the nature of today’s digital natives, institutional design now embraces interactive whiteboards, tablets and computers that allow children to grow and learn alongside the evolving world. The growing trend aims at not only creating sellable brands that evoke the ethos of the school but also to design institutes that reflect forward thinking teaching methods as well as feature state-of-the-art facilities along with safe and adaptive learning environments and a sense of community, with consideration to sustainability.

When it comes to education design, the interior schemes mostly centre on floors, walls, lighting and furnishing. Natural daylight is a reliable stimulant for students and keeps them alert, energised and active. Another advantage is that it not only creates a bright space without the harshness of fluorescent lighting but has also proven to positively impact students’ creativity.