Panauti, Kavre, Nepal
A competition proposal for a universal toilet block at Shree Kushadevi Secondary School in Panauti - a tight back-of-school gap opened into staggered courtyard volumes, where washing, resting and playing mix.
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Project data
Often times, while designing a functional space we forget how the function interacts with the surrounding and the users. In our design we have tried to overcome this by making the space talk to the surrounding.
Our design comprises an approach of sustainability, child friendly and inclusive integration of nature, human and structure. This is our competition proposal for a universal toilet block at Shree Kushadevi Secondary School in Panauti, told move by move.
02Story
Shree Kushadevi Secondary School, Panauti. 315 children from Classes 6 to 12. Two A3 sheets.
We judged the site and found out that the school building opens up to the existing toilet block through a narrow space. The dead space has been made open and inviting, the narrow pathway leading to the toilet creates a sense of anticipation which then opens up to the toilet block which feels like an extension of the landscape.
As we know from the beginning of architecture study itself, it is all about the visual and spatial interconnection between large and small pockets of spaces. So we decided to use the small tight space of entrance to open up to a large space of our inclusive toilet structure.
Our main idea with this design is that children will have interactions, visual play through spaces using the staggered blocks and multiple volumes of height difference. The front of the building is used as seating spaces where the angles are placed in such a way that the people can face each other.
Bridging the gap: a raised link reaches back to the existing school block, tying the staggered volumes into the school's daily circulation.
As seen in the master plan, we can see how the circulation is made clear and direct, and as a part of the overall integration of the design. A skybridge connects the main building to the structure and forms a triangular courtyard at the entrance of the structure.
The settled form: roofed volumes, bridge and walled courts come together as one collective result — the complete building reading as an extension of the landscape.
Our building consists of two floors and cores, one block being for the PWD with 2 units at the ground floor, and the second core being for the boys and girls, with the girls unit on the ground floor and the boys on the first floor. An ample amount of units have been given considering the population size of the school, and we have added graphics and a playful colour in the design of each of the units.
The toilets are provided with pan and commode toilets for both boys and girls, and commode with PWD friendly equipment such as support handles and ample turning radius for the wheelchair. The girls section is provided with pad distribution machines and a pad incinerator at a secluded section of the toilet, such that the incineration process is safe and easy for the children as far as possible.
We have made sure that each toilet core has wash basins for older and younger children with height difference alike, making sure everyone has easy access to wash and clean themselves. The toilets have ample ventilation along with the ability to have IoT integrated into the systems for future expansion, touchless sensors and motion sensitive lighting. The ramps have been given access with guard rails, and toilets with septic tanks.
The section cuts through ramp, lobby and bridge across the courtyard levels. The elevation keeps a quiet face to the existing school.
We hope for a clean and healthy sanitary life for all genders alike. We hope that the children can play and have fun, learn about spaces that can initiate conversation, a feeling of home, and safety and inclusivity for all.
Everything above was said on two A3 sheets. Here they are as issued.
