A gold-medalist graduating from the J. J. College of Architecture, Mumbai in 1991, Sachin Agshikar is a name famously associated with the legendary architect, the late Charles Correa. Done under the aegis of the Charles Correa Foundation, which Agshikar continues to be associated with – despite branching off from Correa into independent practice in 1999 – the project featured here is an ‘aanganwadi’ in Goa. This government-sponsored child-care and mother-care centre is an initiative under the Integrated Child Development Services program (ICDS) to combat child hunger and malnutrition.
The physical environment is an important part of the early learning process. The first two years of a child’s life shape his ‘sense of self’ – and thus the environment plays a crucial part in determining the trajectory of the child’s personal development.
The project, funded by JSW, was designed by the Charles Correa Foundation (CCF) with the vision and strategy to generate a quality environment conforming with the needs for constructive early childhood development. Ar. Sachin Agshikar as the project’s principal architect, has brought to the rather simplistic project a sensitive and sensible approach; which lends a profound sense of belonging and homeliness for the children who would occupy it.
From the effort to design of a ‘model aanganwadi’, emerged a small structure designed in a way that optimizes the factors of location and climate; and addresses the scale/needs of the primary users of the space – the children. The building would also serve as a resource hub for 24 other aanganwadis in the area.
Also, since the aanganwadi operates as a day-care facility, post-noon, the building can also be used for vocational training or as a community centre, to benefit the other members of the community.
Located under a large rain tree, and responding to children’s natural love for playing outdoors, the structure is derived from the concept of a verandah. Openings in all four directions bring the outdoors visually indoors, and also help in cross ventilation. There is a large central multipurpose space which gives children a free, uncluttered area for playing and eating; while the supporting areas such as kitchen, toilets, crèche and store room are placed in the four corners.
The colour scheme chosen to appeal to a child’s mind – also complements the outdoor environ. A low-maintenance material was chosen for the flooring – black Cuddapah, which creates a lovely contrast with white internal walls, orange shutters and bright red exteriors. The rain tree casts its swaying shadows on the red walls; and makes ever-changing patterns on the walls through the course of the day.
This project, though by no means would hog the headlines or make it to the cover page of glamorous glossies, is a highly responsive and impactful one; that embodies the true purpose of design. Built in a restrictive budget of Rs. 22 lakhs, it is one of those special little projects which establish the portent of architecture and design as powerful tools in human life and interactions.
Project Architect: Ar. Sachin Agshikar
CCF Director: Ar. Ruturaj Parikh
Project Team: Anubhuti Chandna, Krithika Samavedula, Keni Koradiya,Nitesh Kumar, Divya Saxena, Shubhangi Goswami, Pradeep Singh, Ashlon Frank
Structural engineer: Shirish Kamat
