The Nepali Garden School - Project Vision

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Project Vision 2021

THE NEPALI GARDEN SCHOOL

design by: Matthew Stoll


Project Vision AUTUMN 2021

THE NEPALI GARDEN SCHOOL S IT E ISOM E T RIC

A Tactile + Immersive School for Ecologically-based Education BUDH AN ILKAN TH A, KTM, N EPAL

ELIM KID S ACA D E M Y The modern world is defined by overwhelming flows of information, ideas, energy, and people, like a river swollen with monsoon rains and glacial melt. The devastation of these flows– which are magnified by climate change–is already evident in Nepal, with one of the most extreme, sensitive and bio-diverse ecosystems in the world. Yet this region lacks the resources and political will to effectively address the totality of these forces. In order for Nepal to tackle these major challenges, the next generation of climate leaders, activists, scientists, and professionals will need to be trained and supported within the community in order to build resiliency and assume control over decision-making. This school is designed to foster a commitment and connection to the local ecology, through a program of stewardship, active learning in nature, and community building.

THE NEPALI GARDEN SCHOOL

The design takes advantage of its proximity to the Shivapuri Hills, a pristine landscape and extension of the classroom. The site is both accessible to the city, while also reclaiming a formerly cleared tract at the forest edge. The landscaping draws inspiration from the ecology of the region, while the structure references traditional typologies, materials + techniques of Nepal. The strategies and approaches employed in the Nepali Garden School seek to reinforce sustainable practices and connect students with nature, creating a hybrid pedagogy of practical and environmental education. This tactile and immersive school environment will inspire students to embrace their cultural and ecological heritage, gain a deeper appreciation for their natural context, and create benefits that flow out and weave lasting impacts in the region for generations to come.


PAI NTE D ME TA L R O O F

B AMB O O L ATTI C E

L AMI NATE D B A M B O O

RE I NFO RC E D R A M M E D - E A RT H

Bamboo, stone, and rammed-earth were used for durability, cost, familiarity, and minimal carbon impact. By synthesizing both newer and older techniques, such as the laminated bamboo beams that form the expressive roof curvature, the school is an example of sustainable industry.

PROJECT VISION


F LO W O F FORM

FLOW OF ORGAN IZATION

FLOW OF MOV E M E NT

Three major themes defined the Parti, all based on the idea of flow, and was influenced by studying natural forms and systems.

Classrooms are grouped into pods, with moveable chalkboard partitions, that allow for larger group activities and flexibility.

H IMAL हिमाल AS S EMB LY

A

JUNI OR A DM I N

P L AYG ROUND LIBRARY A

B

PAHAD पाहाड

CHA P E L

TERAI तराई SE NI OR

B

10M

The school is organized around three courtyards, with public and administrative spaces to the North, primary school and play areas at the heart, and the secondary school and chapel occupying the Southern portion, all connected by winding paths and pass-throughs.

THE NEPALI GARDEN SCHOOL


NAT U R E T R A I L S

R A IN WAT ER COLLECT ION

TE RRACE D SE AT I N G H Y D RO LO G I C ‘ R I VE R ’ A

P E RME AB L E PAVI N G

BIOSWA LES

Runoff is collected and diverted through rain gardens, bioswales, and open channels, cascading from the highest point of the site to the lowest along the circulation path, providing biophilic stimuli, irrigation, active learning, and riparian habitat, before being stored underground.

Nepal is defined by 3 major ecological biomes: the mountainous Himal, hilly Pahad, and low Terai. Water is a critical resource for the region, supplied by mountain glaciers and monsoon rains, but is increasingly less reliable for millions who rely on it.

PROJECT VISION


The Pati is a typology found only in Nepal, and serves as a public gathering place. This concept was the basis for the covered walkways in the school wings, and can function as classroom extension.

K I TCHE N

TERAI तराई

D I NI NG

B

LIBRARY

F E L LOWSHI P

PAHAD पाहाड B OA RD I NG

B

10M

The lower level houses the dining area that looks out upon the gardens, and is shared with the boarding room wing which provides housing for students who are urban refugees or have parents who work abroad. The fellowship hall is a social space for the school and church communities.

THE NEPALI GARDEN SCHOOL


BOARD WA L K RIPA RI AN H AB I TAT RAIN WATE R RE TE N TI O N WAT E R STO RAG E TAN K S IN-FLO O R H YD RO NI C T E M PE R AT U R E CO N T R O L THERMAL MA SS

B

Strategies like passive ventilation, daylighting, water collection, thermal regulation, solar hot water and photovoltaics model sustainability for the region, while also improving resilience in the face of disasters and disruption.

The symbolic river system flows between the courtyards which each replicate a different biome, featuring native vegetation and elements that teach students about local ecology and hydrology. These spaces also function for assembly, play, gardens, and prayer.

PROJECT VISION


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