The relationship between architecture and human psychology is one of the most interesting ones. Something as simple as the design or the layout of a building has the potential to shape and influence the human mind.

The impact that architecture can have on an individual has been reinforced by psychological and scientific studies multiple times. Having a positive environment around is well known to encourage positive reactions in one’s mind.

When it comes to educational institutions, resourcefully approaching designs by channeling this correlation between psychology and architecture can prove to be a great idea. Schools across the globe have recognised the power and impact of architecture. This has given way to some of the most unique and resourceful designs of schools.

With the aim to create a positive environment conducive to learning and a better mindset, architects have come up with creative ways to approach school designs.

Amongst these are certain schools that standout in their architectural approach. Here’s a look at some of the most innovative and impactful school architectures of the world: 

#1 AVASARA ACADEMY FOR GIRLS, INDIA 

First up on the list is the supremely impressive avasara academy for girls situated in Pune, India. Developed with a strong social purpose to bring ‘avasara’ or opportunities of education to girls in the region, the school has a stellar architecture.

The overall design is extremely well thought out to suit the region, and its climate the best. The design was done with due diligence of research through interactions with local farmers to understand the environment and create a home like surrounding in the school. Taking a rather unique step, the facade of the building was built using bamboo.

Bamboo screens were custom made to fit the aesthetic, as well as the overall structure has a simple concrete form, and a very raw yet poised look. The design includes a lot of semi outdoor spots in order to ensure a feeling of being close to nature while making the building feel open.

Understanding that many of the students may come from agrarian families and have also been extremely close to nature and the hills, the attempt was to make the design feel familiar as well. Instead of opting for paints or wallpapers, natural pigments were used to add color to the interiors of the school.

While certain colors have been added to make the space feel lively, there has been an equal attempt to preserve the hues of natural materials as is to create a harmonious surrounding. The architecture of the school is impactful, thoughtful and rather beautiful making it an appreciable one. 

#2 MELBOURNE SCHOOL OF DESIGN, AUSTRALIA 

The Melbourne School of Design situated in Melbourne, Australia is a benchmark in urban architecture. Considering that the school is made specifically for design students, the architecture of the building is rather edgy and stimulating so as to tingle the creative senses of the students.

The architecture relies largely on an open concept with a huge study courtyard laying at the center of the design. This was done to create an informal space where students could unwind as well as work in a collaborative and open environment. The facade is made entirely of metal and glass to keep up the modern chic vibe of the place as well as showcase the creativity that rws inside to the rest of the campus.

The design on the inside has a rather unique look too. Timber, especially, has a huge spot in the architecture of the school. To begin with is a coffered timber ceiling which has been crafted to facilitate ventilation and allow in natural light to create a positive environment inside.

The coffered ceiling extends into a bold timber wall. Abstractly shaped wooden panels have been put together on this wall as a central attraction for the space as well as a representation of creativity. The architecture inside follows the industrial chic approach with exposed light fixtures and quirky metal railings on the balconies of different floors.

Wooden textures and hues dominate the design while metal has been cleverly used to cut through the richness of the edesign. At a glance, the building looks nothing short of a wonder and definitely a great ground for creativity to bloom in. 

#3 GREEN SCHOOL, INDONESIA 

The green school located in Bali, Indonesia has a building that comes with a message. Of late, the need for a more sustainable outlook to life and even architecture has been reinforced. The green school in Bali is the personification of the sustainable way of life.

The architects wanted to pass on their passion for sustainability and in particular sustainable architecture to the population in the region which is why they built a school that represented the same. The school looks straight out of a scenery painting. With the firm belief that being amidst nature is the best way to ensure students learn better, the design features textures and patterns drawing from nature while also being nature centric in the layout. Bamboo is the heart soul of the schools’ architecture.

It forms a lot of things including, the roof, the furniture, the walls, the facades etc of the school. Three domes originally formed the entirety of the school. The domes ascend radially to a small skylight at the top which brings in natural light as well as help with ventilation. In the subsequent years, another structure was added to the campus which is rather stellar.

The structure is a study hall with a bamboo roof that appears to be flowing like a wave in a rather poetic design. The architecture is mostly open air to reiterate the presence of nature.

With elements like solar power, waste management center and compost station, the school has an aim to be carbon positive as well as inspire sustainable architecture amidst the community. 

#4 STATA CENTER MIT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

The Stata Center MIT, situated in Massachusetts, USA is a stellar landmark in educational architecture. Inspired by the principles of the deconstructivist style of architecture, the state center is rather quirky. The design was made to challenge the typical imagination of how one pictures an educational institution to look like.

The building’s structure looks like an abstract work of art. The structure ditches the norm to be vertical or horizontal and goes for a unique tilted layout. The exterior is a bunch of tilted towers made to look as if they are leaning and overlapping each other. To accentuate the difference in the towers, the facade has been creatively used to put up a contrasting exterior.

The towers of the building alternate between a glossy steel facade and a simpler red brick one. The balance of red and silver makes the building look rather eye-catching. Further adding to the quirk appeal of the building are the windows on the exterior. The casement windows have been made to appear as though popping out from the facade of the building giving it a different look.

The interior is equally as impactful and impressive as the building’s exterior. Inside the building while the layout has been kept rather simple to accommodate the practical needs, color blocking and geometrical features add a zest of fun to the inside of the building.

Dipping mostly into primary colors, the interiors are simple yet fun to create a positive learning environment. 

#5 RAJKUMARI RATNAVATI GIRLS SCHOOL, INDIA 

Last but definitely not the least is the mighty impressive Rajkumari Rtanavati girls school located in Rajasthan, India. Right in the heart of the Thar desert, this school has received much appreciation and recognition for its architecture. An oval shaped, open air structure, the school is an aesthetic wonder to begin with.

It is the first of a three part knowledge center that is to be instilled at that location. The design, material and construction has been done with the utmost respect to the region. Not only does the structure utilize Jaisalmer special material i.e. the sandstone but also employed local craftsmen and artisans to bring the structure to fruition.

The architecture is mindful of the local climate and has been molded effectively to accommodate the same. For instance, the roof of the building has a solar panel shed to help keep the building cool by powering the fans inside. Simultaneously, net like structures have been embedded across the periphery of the building to ensure proper ventilation and air flow.

The unique oval shape of the building too has been made with the aim of better ventilation and insulation in mind. Utilizing ancient harvesting knowledge, the building also has arrangements to preserve water well as well as recycle it for use. The structure is nothing short of a wonder not only in looks but also in its functionality making it a trailblazer in the category.