HSC Designs Serves Creativity and Fun into Playtopia
Valanko ni Ramat is a 5,000 sq. ft. Montessori-inspired play space at the Shreyas Foundation School, designed by HSC Designs for the visionary client Abhay Mangaldas.
Ahmedabad, known for its eclectic architecture, now hosts a groundbreaking playground that redefines learning and play. “Valanko ni Ramat” at the Shreyas Foundation School is no ordinary playground. It embodies a Montessori-inspired ethos, creating a dynamic space where children explore, imagine, and grow — all while embracing the values of reuse, natural integration, and learning through play.
This innovative playground in Ahmedabad for the visionary client, Abhay Mangaldas blends sustainability, creativity, and child-centered design, creating a vibrant environment that ignites imagination and fosters growth.
“The Land and the Brief Were Our Inspirations”
Reflecting on the challenges, Ar. Hiloni Sutaria, Principal Designer at HSC Designs, shared: “The biggest challenge in this project was that it’s built on a landfill area, which was also on a slope. We wanted to use as little concrete as possible. Maintaining the trees and creating spaces that mingle with them was something we were very conscious about.”
The vision of the client also played a pivotal role in shaping the playground.
“The client’s brief was actually the main inspiration for the project. They wanted a play space aligned with Montessori learnings, incorporating reused materials and sustainability. The goal was to ignite wonder and surprise in kids,” Hiloni added.
The focal point of the playground is undoubtedly the tunnel space, a whimsical creation fashioned from repurposed concrete pipes and adorned with vibrant mosaics. This magical passageway sparks the imagination, inviting children to explore its cozy confines and ignite their sense of wonder.
According to the architect, the playground was special because it was built with a collaborative spirit.
“Children from the school actively participated in its design and execution, lending their creativity and enthusiasm to every aspect of the project. From brainstorming sessions to hands-on painting and construction, they were integral to bringing the playground to life.
This sense of ownership and involvement fostered a deep connection between the children and their environment, ensuring that the playground remains a cherished part of their school experience for years to come,” shares Hiloni.
“The children’s contributions in making the space their own by painting the tree trunks, tires, etc., have been invaluable,” says Hiloni.
Zones of Wonder
The playground is divided into five zones, each fostering unique sensory and imaginative experiences: Water Zone: Encourages sensory exploration and tactile learning; Sandpit: A creative canvas for imaginative play; Play Gym: Crafted from recycled materials, it combines child-friendly designs with sustainability; Tunnel Space: Repurposed concrete pipes adorned with vibrant mosaics spark curiosity and adventure and a Collaborative Spaces: Areas where children contributed directly, painting tree trunks, tires, and other elements, fostering a sense of ownership.
Beyond its recreational appeal, the playground serves as a rich educational resource. It offers countless opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration, from sensory experiences in the water and sand zones to spatial reasoning in the climbing and swinging spaces.
Moreover, integrating Montessori principles ensures that learning is woven into play, blurring the lines between education and recreation. As children engage with the playground’s diverse elements, they develop essential skills such as problem-solving, cooperation, and creativity, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and growth.
Lessons from the Project
The project’s execution offered significant takeaways for the design team.
“The biggest lesson for us has been the integration of natural and recycled materials into crafting these objects of wonder. We realized that simple natural materials combined with technology and out-of-the-box ideas can craft wonderful spaces,” Hiloni reflected.
For HSC Designs, the real reward came from seeing the students embrace the playground.
“Seeing the students love the project and use it with ease was the most fulfilling part of the project,” Hiloni remarked, “As children frolic amidst its colourful structures and lush greenery, they’re not just playing; they’re discovering the boundless possibilities that lie within themselves and the world around them. This description of the playground as a ‘home for imagination’ reassures parents that their children are in a nurturing environment that fosters creativity and growth.”
Valanko ni Ramat stands as a beacon of sustainable design and holistic learning. It exemplifies how creativity, collaboration, and a conscious approach to materials can redefine educational spaces into laboratories for growth and imagination.
Fact File
Project Name: Valanko ni Ramat
Design Firm: HSC Designs
Principal Designer: Ar. Hiloni Sutaria
Client: Abhay Mangaldas
Location: Shreyas Foundation School, Ahmedabad
Area: 5,000 sq. ft.
Photographs: Ravi Mistry Photography