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The School of Social development by Studio Beradi Miglio is an important case study for architecture that focuses on social development and community participation. Bodgaun is a very remote place where the school is currently located in Nepal which takes 2–3 hrs of drive from Kathmandu. The humanitarian organization Jay Nepal asked Studio Beradi Muglio to plan the school. The organization wanted to increase the attendance of primary students to school and improve and enlarge the school system in the village of Bodgaun. The School of Social Development is a new architectural model for educational architecture as well, blending functionalism with aesthetic dimensions while undertaking complex social requirements related to contemporary society.
Credit: Studio Beradi Muglio/2022 Digital Image/Filippo Berardi
The Studio Beradi Muglio
Studio Beradi Miglio founded by architects Giovanni Berardi and Luca Miglio is known for its holistic approach towards design and architecture and blending the form and functions seamlessly. Their projects are greatly derived from the social conditions and context around, which makes their projects more functional for society. Like the Bürkliplatz, Zurich, which is the Townhall for the city of Zurich. Where the townhall becomes a cafe for the public and there are spaces for meetings and community resting areas The studio believes that architecture should do more than just provide shelter; it should inspire, uplift, and contribute to the well-being of its users.
Play of Form and Function integrated with Social Life
Conceived as a space where education, community, and social growth intersect, the school is more than just an academic institution. It is a hub for social interaction, a place where ideas are exchanged, the school acts as a catalyst for positive change in the surrounding community. This concept of the school was born out of the understanding of the social and economic structure of the surroundings.The school has a good play of form and function. The main design element of the school is the open spaces, an abundance of natural light and ventilation, making a mix of public spaces within a school, by connecting the inside and outside to build up transparency. Thus, reinforcing the school as a public space and a part of the community.
Credit: Studio Beradi Muglio/2022 Digital Image/Filippo Berardi
There is an evident change of type in the architectural approach to the design of schools which often traditionally follow a grid structure, and promote hierarchical layouts with the classroom facing a linear corridor emphasizing control and order. The change in type is evident in the school's open design and flexible layout where the learning spaces are not confined to the classrooms but are spread across the building in various forms that let the children not only learn from textbooks but allow them to explore different subjects that are around them. The classrooms (blue) are arranged around a central courtyard (peach), which serves as a communal space (grey) where sometimes the classrooms are shifted to and acts as a space for the exchange of knowledge between teachers and the students and engage in informal learning activities. This design not only enhances the learning experience but also fosters a sense of community among the students and staff, which helps the students grow and learn more about the community and the world. Moreover, the school has various multipurpose spaces that break the wall between formal and informal learning of the students. This flexibility in design reflects a shift away from the traditional school building typology towards a more adaptable, community-focused model.
Credit: Studio Beradi Muglio/2022 Digital Site Plan
Credit: Studio Beradi Muglio/2022 Digital Plan
The School of Social Development incorporates several environmentally friendly features, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and green roofs. These elements not only reduce the building’s environmental impact but also serve as educational tools for students, raising awareness about sustainability and environmental stewardship. Moreover, as the school is being built by the villagers itself with the help of studio Beradi Muglio, the building has a sense of solidarity where the community comes together to build a space. Nepal’s climate varies significantly between regions. The school’s design incorporates climate-responsive features such as thermal massing and shading devices to ensure comfort and energy efficiency.
The use of locally sourced materials and energy-efficient systems contributes to the building’s overall sustainability. The school uses a muted pallette of dull shades of blue, yellow, and white, which helps the spaces be more creative as these colours also help with the XXXXX development of the kids. The design also includes passive cooling and heating strategies, reducing the need for mechanical systems and enhancing the building’s energy efficiency. That helps the space become better for the students to be both inside and outside, and also for the community to use the space for other gatherings.
School as a public space for thecommunity and its continued learning
The true significance of the School of Social Development lies in its deep impact on the local community. The project, from the very beginning, was envisioned as a collaborative process between architects, educators, and the local population. This is reflected in every dimension of the design—from the structure of the building down to the choice of materials used. Engaging all stakeholders in the design process serves not only the immediate needs of the school but also places the school very closely in line with the social and cultural context of the community it serves.
Credits: Jay-Nepal Organisation
Credits: Jay-Nepal Organisation
It was an essential objective of this project to engage the community through social interaction. There are multi-use spaces in the school that can be used for a range of community activities, from events to workshops and even social functions. It has also enabled the creation of flexible spaces for activity, which are essential to its mission of creating a community life hub. Beyond that, the education institution actively participates in addressing local social problems related to poverty, unemployment, and social inequality, intervening decisively in social development and economic revitalization.
The school of social development has impacts beyond the surroundings of the built area. It is an innovative design and a comprehensive approach to education. The project has won wide acclaim as a model of how architecture can be used as a tool for social progress, prompting similar initiatives around the world. It is an example of how educational spaces can concurrently realize the needs of the community and achieve social cohesion.
The pedagogic philosophy of the School of Social Development is strongly directed toward education focused on critical thinking, creativity, and cooperation, with a strong accent on social responsibility and involvement in local communities. Adults from the villages who have been outside the village for studies come back here to teach the students different activities such as computers or dancing etc. Such a form of learning is fostered by the openness of spaces and shared areas within the building.
Credit: Studio Beradi Muglio/2022 Digital Image/Filippo Berardi
Conclusion
This change in type of schooling directly supports the school's architecture and is directly aligned with the educational philosophy. Traditional classroom setups are redesigned to promote more collaborative and flexible learning spaces. Classrooms are adapted to several teaching and learning methods,such as technology which is integrated in the schooling by teaching the students computers and helping them cope with the growing world.
Credits: Jay-Nepal Organization
This also can be seen in its attitude toward issues of inclusivity and accessibility. The building was fully accessible for all students of different abilities, with the curriculum designed in such a way as to meet the needs of all students. This commitment to inclusivity extends into the school's physical environment and to educational programs and initiatives, which put every student in a position to succeed, regardless of their background or abilities.
Traditional Schools
School of Social Development
The deliberate change in architectural type represents a bold departure from traditional school designs, reflecting the evolving needs of contemporary education and society. By breaking away from conventional typologies and embracing a more flexible, community-oriented approach, Studio Berardi Miglio has created a space that not only meets the needs of today but also lays the foundation for a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future.
References
Barrett, Peter. (2017). Schools for the Future: Design Proposals from Architectural Psychology. Routledge.
Fathy, Hassan. (1986). Architecture for the Poor: An Experiment in Rural Egypt. University of Chicago Press.
Hargrove, Michael L. (2012). The Collaborative School: Designing for Engagement and Learning. Springer.
Thornburg, David. (2013). Learning Spaces: Creating Environments That Work. International Society for Technology in Education.
Studio Berardi Mugio Official Website. "School of Social Development." Studio Berardi Mugio.
Architectural Digest. "The School of Social Development: A Modern Approach to Educational Architecture." Architectural Digest.
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