Block / Unblock
A preschool shaped by light, warmth, and simple order.
Block / Unblock is a preschool in Bhusawal, Maharashtra, designed and completed in 11 months. Positioned within a small town where contemporary architecture is still emerging, the project introduces a clear and grounded design language—one that is minimal, climate-aware, and deeply oriented toward children.
BLOCK / UNBLOCK
Bhusawal, India
Completed:
2025
Gross Built Area (m2/ft2):
10400 sq ft
Creative lead:
Gaurav Chordia
Design Team:
Tejasvi Patil, Jinwani Farsole, Rhea Oswal, Riya Bagmar
Photography:
Pranit Bora
The idea begins with a single, monolithic block—white, quiet, and composed. This solidity is deliberately punctured with deep recesses washed in yellow, capturing light at different times of day and giving the building its distinct presence. Inside, a warm Jaisalmer stone floor anchors the spaces, reflecting sunlight and bringing a sense of joy and brightness into the daily life of the school. This paired palette of white and yellow sets a sharp visual order, while the children naturally “unblock” the rigidity of the form. Their movement, play, and voices soften the architecture, turning its clarity into something living and constantly shifting.
Ground Floor
First Floor
The plan follows a simple rhythm: classrooms alternated with open and semi-open activity zones. These in-between spaces allow for easy negotiation between indoor and outdoor learning. Climate-responsive use defines the school’s daily patterns -the north garden becomes the winter playground, while the central courtyard, open to the east through louvers, becomes a cooler, softly lit space for the summer months. Its stepped edges support group activities and informal gathering.
The west façade, carved with deep vertical punctures, acts as the primary elevation, filtering harsh sunlight while giving the building a strong identity from the street. Existing neem trees in the southwest are preserved for shade and climatic comfort, forming a natural buffer.
Circulation is treated as an extension of learning spaces—verandas and corridors that are shaded, breathable, and open to small discoveries. These edges provide a safe and fluid sense of movement, allowing children to explore freely.
With its restrained material palette and controlled geometry, Block / Unblock avoids over-design and offers a simple canvas for play and learning. It is conceived as a framework that can adapt to future expansions while holding onto its essential clarity.
For Bhusawal, the project marks a small yet meaningful step in shaping a thoughtful, locally rooted architectural language—one that places climate, community, and the spontaneity of childhood at its centre.
