SINCE PLAY MATTERS
‘Since play matters’ is a design inventory developed for H3 Preschools, mentored
by Anand Niketan.
Here a series of spaces and elements are negotiated in an existing built to maximize learning while at play in alignment with H3’s philosophy of holistic development through their emphasis on 3 H’s i.e. Hands (implementation) Heart (Inspiration) and Head (Information).
More specifically an inventory was devised to be a standard for each of their centers considering the constraints of a rented property. Although having a standard for all the centers, each center was tackled specifically using the opportunities that it had to offer in order to maximize the outdoor engagement.
The centers being extremely different from one another, an inventory was devised, that was placed within the center at strategic locations and modified to meet the needs of each center. The outside was created as a layer that was added to the existing surfaces on-site through different levels, textures, and materials.
These fixed elements encourage the kids to freely climb, jump, hop, rest, walk around, splash, and play in every possible way. The functional elements are designed to double up as play elements to maximize the scope of interaction and learning.
All the centers existing as residential buildings are adapted with minimal civil changes to accommodate play and learning spaces for a child.
A modular kit of furniture and elements are devised to allow multiple uses and organizations. The elements are designed to break the traditional Kindergarten “Classroom Teaching“ approach and provide more opportunities for the children to explore without strict associations.
Also, the modular nature of these, allows adaptation to different types of teaching and sized spaces, with its multiplication in use. Each Classroom is designed playfully with a colorful landscape for a child to associate and engage with. The multi-functional common areas here form the heart of the indoors which not only allows interactions amongst all children but also houses elements that encourage them to engage their own senses.
