AGRITECTURE - Greenhouse Schooling (Architecture + Agriculture) “Envisioning Educational Spaces within Sustainable Ecosystems. Fostering Learning in Harmony with Nature”

INTENT This is a prototype proposed as a school. AGRItecture School redefines sustainable urban living by transforming greenhouses into versatile habitats, integrating architectural innovation with agricultural vitality. This approach uses reclaimed materials and energy- efficient solutions to support a balanced coexistence with nature, aiming for a future where design and greenery thrive together. INTRODUCTION An innovative educational twist, transforming its principles into a school environment that epitomizes green living and learning. This new facet integrates classrooms and recreational areas into a layout that promotes interactive, nature-infused education, ensuring that sustainability principles are imparted from an early age. This concept illustrates the potential for built environments to complement and enrich natural ecosystems, blending urban and rural dynamics to encourage sustainable living and biodiversity. MATERIALS Material selection shifts towards localized and sustainable options. These materials reduce the ecological footprint introducing students to indigenous building methods. The school’s design prioritizes natural lighting and ventilation, reducing energy consumption creating a conducive learning environment. Hydroponic systems and solar panels remain integral, illustrating practical sustainability applications Master Plan - Planning and Experience This is the proposed Master plan which has 6 units. We have placed 3 units on each side. A central passage of 6m spans the length of the layout connecting all the 6 units. The passage between the 3 units towards the exhaust side is 6m. 3m on each side separated by a brick and charcoal wall in the center. This wall serves a dual purpose – acting as a barrier reducing the force of air from the exhaust and sound reduction. When you enter the 6 meter main central passage, on one side is the supervisor’s cabin which allows for comprehensive monitoring and supervision ensuring safety and security throughout the school environment. Two toilet blocks are proposed - one on each side and can be changed as per requirement. The hand pump is used for drinking water which is supported by a percolating well nearby which also absorbs the rainwater deep inside and thus improves the overall water quality. Unit Plan Planning and Experience This innovative structure reimagines school infrastructure and aligns with the crucial pillars of sustainability that is ecological balance, economic viability, and social equity integrating into a transformative design. Designed as a scalable unit, this structure can be replicated, and adapted. A single unit can be duplicated or multiplied. Simple locally available materials are used. The structure is a greenhouse where the roof is of polycarbonate sheets, integrated with solar panels. For the single unit the planning is very simple. The classrooms are in between the hydroponics and surrounded by green plantation. Zone 1, 2 & 3 are classrooms, zone 4 features Hydrophonics and zone 5 is the Staff room. One entire side of the unit is equipped with exhaust fans. Both sides of the structure are fitted with water channels for rainwater harvesting, usable through a well and a hand pump. The size and layout of each space can be adjusted according to specific requirements.