The SMR Jaipuria School in Lucknow stands as an exceptional example of a building recognised to serve as a ‘third teacher’, transforming the educational spaces into inclusive, interactive learning environments. A key highlight of this project is the front facade, featuring the city’s largest wall art installation – large blank walls reimagined as canvases showcasing the artwork by students and a known artist.
Designed to engage over 20,000 visitors annually, the project merges architecture, art, and value-based learning. The design brief introduced new classrooms, activity rooms, dance halls, a research lab, a library, breakout spaces, and interior refurbishments. Instead of expanding into adjacent open space, the plan strategically integrated these additions within the existing structure, optimising circulation cores and preserving playgrounds for students.
The school also has elements such as courtyards and multifunctional spaces, encouraging interaction and cross-learning among the students. The amalgamation of education with visual arts like sculpture, ceramics, and video into the environment, enhances user engagement and promotes community engagement.
Two underutilised courtyards were remodelled, including an outdoor stage, planters, seating spots, and a bright orange stairway. The courtyard walls display students’ poetry, crafts, and artwork, while exhibitions are highlighted on TVs and chalkboards. Additionally, the school’s centre has been transformed into a ‘Hall of Fame’, showcasing the achievements of the faculty, staff and alumni.
Vijay Dahiya, Partner, team3, shares the exclusive details behind SMR Jaipuria School, mentioning the vision of using elements that would work well with the existing structure, enhancing the uniqueness of this retrofitted project.
Educational Eden
The Jaipuria School underwent a thoughtful retrofitting process aimed at enhancing both its functionality and sustainability. uPVC windows with high-performance double-glass units have been installed to improve the building envelope. The school’s assembly area was a tough hurdle to overcome, as it had to be covered within a limited timeframe while maintaining harmony with the existing reinforced concrete and brick construction. In order to avoid a bulky appearance, a lightweight steel structure was selected for its ease of prefabrication in the factory and effortless on-site installation over the concrete foundation.
The retrofitting process prioritised sustainability and energy efficiency with high-efficiency air conditioners, LED lighting, and centralised water chillers with RO systems to minimise energy usage. The exposed steel structure provides a sleek, modern aesthetic but also offers high recyclability for future reuse. Prefabrication techniques and slender section designs ensured minimal material wastage, keeping the structure lightweight, sustainable and environmentally responsible.
Shaded outdoor spaces and courtyards further contribute to enhanced energy savings, while bringing natural light and ventilation, reinforcing environmental responsibility.
A steel and tensile fabric solution was strategically integrated to achieve a lightweight structure capable of spanning over 25 m. The structure encompasses over 12,000 sq ft, creating a multifunctional space that serves as a venue for morning assemblies, sports activities during the day and quarterly and yearly events. It is located adjacent to the school’s cafe, and supports the spillover during the eating breaks, providing a well-shaded and comfortable space for the students. Incorporated lighting within the tensile fabric ensures usability throughout the day, while the stepped-down design naturally draws attention to the stage.
Overcoming Obstacles
During excavation, the foundations of this 25 year old structure were uncovered, requiring quick design modifications to swiftly integrate the new steel-tensile framework seamlessly. It was a challenge to continue the construction without disrupting the school’s daily operations. Some trusses were welded on-site and the back playfields were temporarily barricaded for assembly. Large structural components, including trusses, were erected on weekends using hydras and cranes to minimise disruption.
Since the school was built over 25 years ago and consists of a composite concrete and brick structure, future expansion within the original building would not be feasible. However, the new expansion has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate additional floors in the future, with reinforced foundations and columns capable of supporting the increased load as needed.
Existing staircases were supplemented by new ones in areas where expansion took place. Additional emergency exits, especially for assembly spaces, and a smoke evacuation system were integrated to enhance safety. Emergency exit signages and fire extinguishers have been installed as per the applicable codes. The new construction has also been designed to meet the requirements for seismic zone IV, following current IS standards.
Fact File
Project: SMR Jaipuria School, Lucknow
Architect: team3
Structural Consultant: NNC
Project Management: RRA
Steel Fabricator & Manufacturer: Dreamworks
Steel Tonnage: 53 MT
Current Status: Completed
Quote
“The design of SMR Jaipuria redefines the typical institutional stereotype, using architecture not as a sterile facility to accommodate multiple functions but as a framework for students to express themselves, offering a holistic environment that nurtures every aspect of a student’s growth. It is a space that inspires, engages, and unlocks the potential of every child. The dynamic and colourful suspended elements add a layer of sophistication while reinforcing the joyful, spirited nature of the school.”
– Vijay Dahiya, Partner, team3
