4.3.2. Sankalp School, Chennai

Figure 26: Floor Plans: Action for Autism, New Delhi (Source: Aayushi Goyal, 2020).

4.3.2. Sankalp School, Chennai

The school is located in Kolappancheri, Chennai. The centre was previously used as the Ebenezer home for Children and the Elderly, with a built up area of 1600 sqm. The centre mainly caters to students dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and

Specific Learning Disorder (SLD). The school has been divided into different wings as follows;

The Learning Centre and Early Intervention Centre - For children with ASD

The centre is split into different sections based on the age group and learning capabilities of the students. The classroom and teaching methods are mostly activity oriented, especially for the junior sections. Teaching approach is more flexible and is dependent on the responsiveness of the students to different activities and skill sets.

Sahayika

It serves as a skill training centre for adolescents with ASD, with the major objective being to equip students with skills that will empower and enable them to lead independent lives. Workshops for making paper products, jewellery, spice production and baking have been provided where students are encouraged to hone their skills via a structured learning process.

The Open School

This centre is meant for children with SLD. Students are to be split into different sections based on ability. The classrooms take on a much lesser student load as compared to a typical classroom so teachers can focus on each student which in turn increases the opportunities for individual interaction. Other functions provided include math labs, science labs, music rooms, arts and crafts rooms, as well as a few recreational spaces including counselling rooms and a pottery courtyard.

Some of the prominent elements/considerations made in the design are as follows; 1. Building as Learning Aid (BALA) 2. Landscaping and Outdoor Activities

3. Courtyards and Verandahs 4. Natural Lighting 5. Colour Schemes and materials used in the design.

Figure 27: Sankalp School: Classroom Concept. (Source: Benny Kuriakose, 2021)

Figure 28: Sankalp School: Proposed 3D Views. (Source: Benny Kuriakose, 2021)

Figure 29: Sankalp School: Proposed Site Plan. (Source: Benny Kuriakose, 2021)

Figure 30: Calming colours used in classrooms.(Source: Benny Kuriakose, 2021)

Figure 31: Sankalp School: Sensory Gardens & Courtyards. (Source: Benny Kuriakose, 2021)

Figure 32: Sankalp School: Colour Schemes used in design. (Source: Benny Kuriakose, 2021)

Figure 33: Sankalp School: Landscape Plan. (Source: Benny Kuriakose, 2021)