The students from the Interior Architecture and Design programmes at Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) got the opportunity of collaborating with ModSkool and developing a prototype for one of their classroom ceilings. This involved an on-campus studio session with Swati Janu, the brainchild of Community Architects — ModSkool, followed by an onsite session in Mayur Vihar, Delhi where the students weaved a bamboo mat and installed it onto the classroom structure.
Janu along with Nidhi Sohane started ModSkool which is a modular school concept that builds schools for children residing in Yamuna Khadar, New Delhi. These low-cost structures are easy to build and dismantle as well keeping in mind the impromptu demolishing drives sanctioned by the Government authorities. The school makes a conscious effort of engaging with the youth of the community and encourages them to participate in its construction drives.
Dr Jitin Chadha, founder director of IIAD said: “Such live projects not only help students learn the practical aspects of interior architecture and design but also encourage active engagement with the local communities and realise their social responsibilities as designers.”