Specially abled kids have difficulties in coping with regular schools. Every differently abled child can excel in life if given special care & guidance. Due to the lack of infrastructure & goodwill; most of these innocent & specially abled kids do not receive education.
Brief of the project was to design a school for specially abled kids which helps in their Educational & Social growth. AASHA is an institution which believes that differently abled children can lead a normal life effectively. The school is designed by keeping educational, functional & recreational needs of these kids.
The meaning of word "AASHA" is HOPE. AASHA is an Institution which focuses on primary education and an all round development of specially abled children. Also being specially abled, these kids are not much study oriented. Hence, Institution has amenities which will enhance the learning experience based on their physical & mental capabilities.
The space is equipped with ramps, platforms, lifts and signage for easy movement of users. Classrooms are designed to accommodate 20 students so that special attention can be given to all the students. Classrooms are spacious for easy movement of wheelchairs. While planning, emphasis is also given to recreational spaces such as Music room, Indoor & Outdoor sports and gardening area. Recreational activities helps to keep these students engaged. Amenities such as Library, Audio visual space, Digital labs creates an addition to their skill development .
Colours play major role specially in a space for kids. Playful space is created with colours & shades, as these kids are emotionally associated with colours. Subtle colours play significant role to make space interactive & user friendly. Complementing colours along with form have a positive psychological effect when in harmony with one another.
Equal attention is paid for Visually impaired users by providing supports & audio based wayfinding.The space also has dedicated area for parking & charging wheelchair.
Emphasis is also given to furniture along with ergonomics as furniture is important hierarchy in this space. The forms of furniture are interactive & playful as well. Forms of the furniture in this space are Geometric & Organic, which creates visual symphony. Forms used in this space aren't just shapes but emotionally pleasing to look at.These elements, forms, furniture, materials, textures & colours all together create an enduring experience for specially abled kids.
The Institution act as a phenomenon for specially abled kids to create an interesting learning experience. Thus AASHA aims at transforming the future of these special kids by not just educating them, but also by taking care of their physical & mental well being.
