A centre of hope: This vocational training institute in Aurangabad by SEZA Architects takes its responsibility towards its context and the locals seriously

All conversations about sustainability usually tend to focus on environmental sustainability. While it is crucial what we build mindfully, it is imperative that we think about the other aspects of sustainability— financial and social. A building can never be truly sustainable if it isn’t financially viable. Increasingly, the concept of social sustainability is taking prominence. Social sustainability in architecture aims to design spaces that promote well-being, inclusion and community cohesion. With the ECove Vocational Training Institute in Aurangabad, Seema Puri and Zarir Mullan of SEZA Architects creates a template of socially sustainable architecture.

“In villages with poor public infrastructure, social interaction centres are not so much about architecture, but rather they symbolize social improvement. They become an expression of human dignity, possibility and community areas. Our aim for the Vocational Training Institute in Aurangabad is to give the village children a chance to be able to stand on their own feet by learning a vocation that can enable them to sustain a simple lifestyle,” explains architect Seema Puri. Aurangabad is a city in the state of Maharashtra in India, known for the Ajanta Ellora caves, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the largest Hindu rock-cut cave complexes in the world, which has panels from the two main Hindu epics. The caves have sculptures and carvings from three faiths, namely Brahmanism, Jainism and Buddhism, thereby advocating the spirit of tolerance and hope.

“The centre is contemporary while honouring the historical context of its surroundings. It is locally apposite and takes its cues from the cave complex in spreading a message of hope for the villagers,” explains Seema. The architecture is a reinterpretation of the courtyard concept. The administration area opens onto a series of corridors with classrooms, technical rooms, a canteen and an auditorium, all arranged around the courtyard. It offers vocations such as sewing, computers, dye making, electrical courses and basic English language.

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“We segregated the activities into different blocks, interconnected by small courts and transitional pathways, creating a dynamic mix of indoor and outdoor community spaces. Our aim was to create a biophilic design using natural materials, natural light and plants, creating an atmosphere the villagers would enjoy learning in,” informs the architect. None of the classrooms are air-conditioned. The spaces rely on natural ventilation to keep them cool. The passive ventilation and daylighting systems create a learning atmosphere that lies in harmony with the natural environment.

Angular brick screens punctuate the corridors reducing the intense heat and making them more comfortable. Here, the temperatures in the summer range go up to 40-45 degrees. Staggering the classrooms created additional social interaction spaces besides the multiple courtyards. We wanted the centre to become a welcome break for them. The multipurpose hall across the classrooms is semi-open; this area is designed as an adaptable space and used as a cafeteria, for yoga and assembly.

“An auditorium was added in the second phase, the roof of which houses the solar panels, which provide power for lighting. Building this on the outskirts enabled us to provide employment for the villagers. Incidentally, the project materialised during the pandemic, when the villagers were in need of employment. The materials and labour were locally sourced keeping with the project’s broader sustainable and ecological ethos.”

The centre, like the Ellora caves, symbolizes hope and universal acceptance for the villagers. It helps them learn a vocation thus offering them an opportunity to thrive, redefine their personality, and live a respectful life.

FACT FILE

Project Type: Institutional Buildings

Designed by: SEZA Architects & Interior Designers

Size: 37,673 sq.ft

Principal Architects: Zarir Mullan and Seema Puri

Team Design: Datta Nishandar, Paritosh Chavan, Baljeet Singh & Pooja Jangam

Year of Completion: 2022

Photography credits: Dinesh Mehta