#Kidtecture Learn how Komal Mittal and Ninada Kashyap are building playful learning education spaces

As part of our Children’s Day feature, we spotlight the inspiring work of architects who transform spaces for the youngest learners. Designing for children involves more than vibrant colors and fun play areas—it requires thoughtful spaces that encourage holistic growth, creativity, and a connection with nature. Architects Komal Mittal and Ninada Kashyap from Alkove-Design embody these principles with Deeksha Kindergarten School in Bengaluru. This transformative project, converted from an old school structure, combines open-air playfields and shaded classrooms to create a warm, child-friendly space that fosters learning through play.

With a vision rooted in sustainability, they crafted a school that not only embraces play but is designed to adapt to children’s changing needs, prioritizing safety, interaction, and inclusivity. Here, Komal Mittal and Ninada Kashyap discuss their approach, challenges, and design principles for this inspiring project.

Project Spotlight: Deeksha Kindergarten School in Bengaluru

Deeksha Kindergarten School in Bengaluru is a contemporary pre-primary and kindergarten institution, created from the transformation of an old, conventional school structure. The project spans a plot area of 43,500 sq. ft. with a built-up area of 34,000 sq. ft. We aimed to design a child-friendly, interactive environment centred around the theme of ‘Learn-through-Play,’ featuring open-air playfields and corridors. The school’s approach emphasizes the holistic development of each child, integrating both academic learning and physical education. The redevelopment focused on creating a space that connects harmoniously with nature, seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor areas to foster a nurturing and engaging learning experience.

The entire school is connected by corridors that extend into open spaces on all sides. The ventilated classrooms and shaded playgrounds are designed to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for the children. Warm and bright colours in classrooms and other areas create interest and aid in developing the children’s learning curves.

The classroom furniture was designed with the ergonomics of both students and teachers in mind. While in the sandpit area, equipment such as slides, swings, and tyres were created using reclaimed wood and other recyclable materials and set up as an obstacle course. The objective behind creating the obstacle course was to promote physical activity while also providing a mental challenge. This approach aligns with our central theme of ‘Learn-through-Play,’ where children are encouraged to explore, engage, and learn through interactive play.

Exposed brick walls in the amphitheatre and the sandpit artistically add a natural touch to the space, appealing to the children’s creative nature. The amphitheatre also provides a space for extracurricular activities such as music, dance, and other school exercises, further enhancing the holistic learning experience.

Design Principles: Top 3-5 things to keep in mind while designing for children

When designing for children, there are several key factors we prioritize to ensure the space is functional, engaging, and supportive of their development.

First, flexibility and adaptability are crucial, as children grow and their needs evolve quickly. We incorporate adjustable furniture, such as desks and chairs that can be modified as children grow, ensuring comfort and continued support.

Durability and sustainability are also top priorities; we choose materials that are not only durable and easy to maintain but also recyclable, allowing the space to remain functional as children’s activities and interests shift.

Another important consideration is creating environments that encourage both play and learning. By providing interactive play zones, reading areas, and open spaces, we foster an atmosphere where children can engage in various forms of play, helping develop their cognitive, physical, and social skills.

Safety and security are paramount, so we ensure the design minimizes hazards and uses child-friendly materials to create a secure environment where children feel free to explore.

Finally, we emphasize the connection with nature, incorporating natural light, outdoor play areas, and natural materials, which help create a calming and inspiring space that enhances learning and creativity.

Creativity & Fun:

To make spaces more child-friendly, we design with a focus on fostering a child’s physical, mental, and emotional growth through playfulness and creativity. By incorporating natural elements and open spaces, we encourage movement and exploration, which are essential for developing motor skills and stimulating curiosity and creativity.

At Deeksha Kindergarten, for example, the sandpit area features an obstacle course made of slides, swings, and tyres, promoting both physical activity and mental challenges. Additionally, we included open-ground areas where children can plant seeds, sketch, and engage in nature-centric activities, allowing them to learn and explore through hands-on experiences.

By creating spaces that balance visual appeal with interactive, imaginative elements, we offer children an environment that nurtures creativity, promotes learning, and supports their overall development.

Sustainability:

When designing spaces for children, we prioritize their growth and sensitivity to potentially harmful materials. Incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient solutions, and a connection to nature creates an environment that is both safe and nurturing. By using natural, non-toxic materials—such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, and locally sourced options for furniture, flooring, and outdoor structures—we reduce environmental impact. Where possible, we include partially or fully recyclable materials to further enhance sustainability.

Additionally, passive design strategies maximize natural light through large windows and open layouts, reducing the need for artificial lighting and promoting a healthier indoor atmosphere. Cross-ventilation helps regulate temperature naturally, lowering energy consumption.

Materials and surfaces are selected for durability and ease of maintenance, ensuring they withstand high activity levels while simplifying cleaning. Responsible sourcing and well-defined sustainability goals are critical to creating interiors that prioritize well-being.

By integrating these sustainable strategies, architects create environments that support children’s physical and cognitive development while encouraging environmental responsibility from an early age.

Outlook for the Future: Top 5 Trends in designing spaces for children.

Technology Integration: Interactive screens and learning apps to support personalized learning and engaging experiences.

Focus on Mental Well-being: Designs focused on prioritizing mental health by creating calming, stress-free environments with quiet spaces and soothing colors to enhance focus and emotional well-being.

Nature Integration and Biophilic Design: Biophilic design connects children to nature through natural light, plants, and outdoor play areas, fostering cognitive and emotional growth while promoting sustainability.

Inclusive and Accessible Design: Spaces are designed to accommodate children with various needs, featuring ramps, ergonomic furniture to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all.

Creative and Imaginative Play Zones: Dedicated play zones, such as art studios and sensory rooms, encourage creativity and imaginative play, supporting cognitive, emotional, and social development.

FACTFILE

Project Name: Deeksha Kindergarten School

Design By: Alkove-Design

Principal Architects: Ar. Komal Mittal & Ar. Ninada Kashyap

Project Type: Institutional Building

Year: 2022

Location: Deeksha Learning, Bengaluru

Plot Area: 43,500 sq. ft.

Built-Up Area: 34,000 sq. ft.

Project Images Credit: Parth Swaminath (@parth_phxindia)