CASE STUDY

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL IS A CLEAR EXPRESSION OF ONE ASPECT OF THE

PHILOSOPHY OF DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS OF STEINS WORK IN INDIA.
The site acquire for the buildings was a forbidding outcrop of weathered rock on the western border of New Delhis
diplomatic area.
Instead of clearing the land before building, the terrain was incorporated into the school design

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
LOCATION:Located on twelve acres in the heart of the diplomatic community of
Delhi. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges

New
and

Schools.

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
SITE AREA = 12 Acres
ARCHITECT :- Joseph Allen stein (1960S-1970s)
ARCOP Associates Pvt. Ltd. (1990s- till now)
A CLEAR EXPRESSION OF ONE ASPECT OF THE PHILOSOPHY
OF DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS OF STEINS WORK IN INDIA.
ABOUT SITE

R2

The site acquire for the buildings was a forbidding outcrop of weathered
rock on the western border of New Delhis diplomatic area.
R1

Instead of clearing the land before building, the terrain was incorporated into
the school design

APPROACH :The site is connected through four adjoining road:-

R3

R1 (Chandragupta marg) 30 wide road. On the opposite side of the site there
is an American embassy.
R2 (Panchsheel marg). 45 wide road. It is an ring road.
R4

R3 (San martin marg) 30 wide.

R4 (Jose Artiga marg). It is common road between AMERICAN ENBASSY
SCHOOL and BRITISH SCHOOL.

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
ENTRANCE :To access the school there is 7 gates:Gate 1 & 2 is from chandragupta marg. No. 1for high school.
No.2 for the visitors/ staff &middle school students.

Gate 3,4,5 is from cross2 road. N0.3 is for staff residences only.
No.4 for services/workers. No.5 for Physical Education
department.
Gate 6,7 is from san martin marg. No.6 is for Phy. Education
block. No.7 for elementary school students.
But from the point of
security only gate 1,2,3,5
is working all of rest are
sealed. There is tight

N
7

security on the gates.

6
5

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
1. Elementary school block
2. Middle school block
3. Swimming pool area
4. Physical education block
5. High school (under const.)
6. High school block
7. Auditorium
8. Cafeteria
9. Hostels
10. Tracks
11. Tennis court
12. Playfields
13. Basketball court
14. Rocks
15. Project office

14
10

15

5
13

7
1
2

3
4

12

9
9

11

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
ABOUT DESIGNING :This school is designed in many phases. The main
designing/planning is done by great Architect Joseph Allen Stein.
But later on the need of school expanded and to fulfill it the whole
campus is renovated or reconstructed in phases.

Stein plan

3
4

There is three academic blocks i.e elementary, middle, high school.

There is one large central building containing school library, music
department and a gymnasium which is later on converted into
auditorium (600 seats). School also have hostels in a rectilinear
geometry at the S-E side of site. The earlier school is designed for 700
students.

1. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2. MIDDLE SCHOOL
3. HIGH SCHOOL
4. AUDITORIUM
5. HOSTEL

Today's plan
Now the intake of school is reached up to 1300 students. Also the needs of the students
is also changed. The new plan is designed according the today's need it includes: New elementary block at the same site.
New middle school block at the place between the auditorium and hostels. It is well
connected to the elementary block by bridge.
Swimming pool
Cafeteria
Physical education block (i.e gymnasium, indoor games, dance hall etc)
Earlier high and middle school block is converted into high school. One block from
them is under const. and other is to be constructed later on.
- Only auditorium and hostels is un changeable to the Stein designing.

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
The architectural philosophy controlling the design may be expressed a design recognition and acceptance of the
condition and contradictions inherent in the problem, and a search for order and unity without recourse to such
over-simplification as might obliterate or conceal the diverse functions behind a uniform screen.
Some of the condition and contradictions which
influenced the design were;1.

The conflict between an educational outlook that

pointed towards a garden school and the psychological
need for an air conditioning building.

2.

The competition for the spaces between academic and

athletic requirements, both to be accommodated on a
small site.

3.

The contrast between the attitudes and methods of an

American educational situation and those contemporary
in India.

4.

NATURAL
CONTOURS
AUDITORIUM

The contradiction between the irregular physical

features of the site and the symmetrical, logical
character of the structural system, in the case resulting
in circular buildings.

The main concept of designing a building was

-The land was not leveled to construction. The rocky
outcropping on it have been incorporated into the planning
of the buildings and the landscaping.
-The library, music or auditorium as a focal/central block.

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

NATURAL
CONTOURS

CASE STUDY
ACADEMIC BLOCK:The academic block is consist of three building blocks:1.

Elementary school

2.

Middle school

3.

High school

3
3

All three blocks are totally different from each other in all respect i.e form, planning
etc.

1
2

The elementary and middle school is connected to each other through bridge.
High school (under cost.) is totally separate from rest of two. but there is a proposal
of connectivity through bridge.
The auditorium is surrounded by academic blocks.

ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL

MIDDLE
SCHOOL

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
ELEMANTRY SCHOOL BLOCK (24323.6 sq mt):The block is for k-5 grade. it is consist of a four building blocks which are connected
to each other through the corridor.
The name of the block is on the name of the trees
- Peepal
- Banyan
- Neem
- Ashoka
BANAYAN
Elementary school has its own library at the ground floor of the Peepal block.
All the blocks are connected to each through linear corridor.

N
NEEM

PEEPAL

CORRIDOR

ASHOKA

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
The block is having its own garden for small kids which is surrounded by building blocks.
The block is having two fire escape staircase in open to exit during any catastrophe.
The block is placed near to the gate so, that the small kids escaped quickly from the campus in case of any catastrophe.
Lifts are provided in Banyan and Ashoka block.

BANAYAN

GATE

NEEM

PEEPAL

N
ASHOKA

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
BANAYAN, NEEM, ASHOKA BLOCK :STORE

CHALK BORD

AREAS
CLASS ROOM = 68 sq.mt
(8.2M X 8.2 M)
COMP.LAB = 60sq.mt
CIRCULATION
PARTICAL BOARD PARTITION

STORAGE

SITING ARRANGEMENT OF CLASSROOM IN

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The designing of the classroom is flexible (i.e board partition

between two class room so that the sitting arrangement can be
change accordingly).
It is a place where student stays for a long time period with one
teacher.
Each block has a gathering space in the centre.
Square classroom are planed for better comfort. (acc. To
standards).
The orientation of classroom is NW-SE to protect classroom from
southern sun.

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
PEPPAL BLOCK :LOCKERS

AREAS
CLASS ROOM = 56 sq.mt.
MUSIC ROOM = 87 & 94 sq.mt
LOCKERS

COMPUTER LAB =48 sq mt each

TOILTETS (boys + girls) = 48 sq.mt
CIRCULATION

Corridor and classroom are well lighten with wide glazed windows.
Lockers are placed along the corridor.

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

BRIDGE TO MIDDLE
SCHOOL

CASE STUDY
MIDDLE SCHOOL (19248 sq mt):This block consisting classes from VI-IX grade.
Ground floor is having an administration and library of middle school.
The block is well connected to the elementary and cafeteria by bridges

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
Bridge from
elementary block

AREAS
LIBRARY = 632.54 sq.mt.
MULTI PURPOSE = 212.64 sq.mt
PRINCIPAL + RECEPTION + CONF. +
SECREATRY = 100 sq mt
TOILTETS (boys + girls) = 55 sq.mt
CIRCULATION

GROUND FLOOR PLAN OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
HIGH SCHOOL (1276.54 sq.mt)
The block is octagonal in shape.
This block consisting classes from X-XII grade.
The high school is having two blocks. One for math's and other for humanities.
Both are identical in planning.
The prefabricated lattice steel shell is used for roof.
The classroom block leads to the shell funneling out, both in height and
towards the edge of the building which surround the domed central

width,
common hall.

AREAS
INTERIOR OF
CLASSROOM

CLASS ROOM = 120 sq.mt (each).

TOILTETS (boys + girls) = 55 sq.mt
CIRCULATION
PICTURE SHOWING LATTICE
STEEL SHELL OF ROOF

CENTRAL COMMON
AREA

VIEW OF ROOF SHOWING SHELL STRUCTURE

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
The classrooms are so flexible in arrangement, so that it can be extended to the outdoor shaded walkway by
opening wide window.

Perspective looking toward outdoor

classroom area.

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
AUDITORIUM BLOCK:This block is a central and focal point of the campus.
It is surrounded by academic blocks from three side and on one side there is a playfield.
The ground floor of a building is consist of a music room, exhibition room and gymnasium which is
convertible to auditorium
The capacity of auditorium is 600 seats.
The mezzanine floor is having a cafeteria for high school students.
The first floor is having a library for high school students.
The circular form of auditorium allows its hyperbolic parabolic shell to achieve a pure structural shape
and thus a minimum depth, of only 75 mm.

Auditorium
(600 seats)

Music
rm.

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
The cafeteria section is directly approachable through staircase on outer
side.
Also there is a lift and a staircase inside for vertical movement
The auditorium under the cover of a hyperbolic parabolic steel lattice roof.

Inner view of cafeteria

Area of auditorium = 6992 sq.m (600

seats)

Auditorium

i.e 1.2 sq.m per person (approx.) as per

standards.

(600 seats)

Staircase
lift

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
4
1
1

Existing
Auditorium

5
6

N
CAFETERIA PLAN

CLASS ROOM PLAN

AREAS

No. of seats = 266

1. Reception

= 57.8sq mt

2. Principal office = 14.7sq.mt

AREAS

3. Conference Rm. = 15.8 sq.mt

1. Student union = 68.92 sq.mt

4. Toilet (boys +girls) = 25 sq.mt

2. Sitting area = 365.81 sq.mt

3. Kitchen + counter = 82.96 sq.mts

5. Class rm.1 = 61.6 sq.mt

6. Class rm. (2+3) = 57 sq.mt
7. Class rm 4 = 66 sq.mt

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

3
2

CASE STUDY
RESIDENTIAL:Residential block is placed on S-W side of the site.
It is a private area.
It is for the staff only. No accommodation facilities for students.
The different blocks are named according to the name given to the
residences of royal people in ancient India.
- QUILA = Higher rank
- MAHAL = Middle rank
-HAVELI = Lower rank
The approach to the residences is
from
gateno.3.
QUILA

MAHAL
HAVELI

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
PLAN OF MAHAL (GROUND FLOOR):-

BED ROOM
3.8 X 3.1 M
TOL.
2.6 X 2.1 M
TOL.
2.5 X 1.7 M

BEDROOM.
3.8 X 4.5 M

BED ROOM
3.8 X 3 M

FOYER.
FOYER.
1.9 X4.2 M 1.9 X4.2 M

STORE.
2.2 X 1.1 M

BED ROOM
3.8 X 3 M

STORE.
3.8X5 M

BED ROOM
3.8 X 3 M

BED ROOM
3.8X3 M

DINNING.
3.8X3.5 M

LVL +32.8
DINNING.
3.8X4.2 M

STORE.
3.9X3.6 M
BED ROOM
3.9X5 M

DINNING.
3.9X5.3 M
DINNING.
3.9x3 M

KITCHEN.
3.2 X 2.6 M

BALCONY
BALCONY

BALCONY

DINNING.
3.9x3.1 M

LVL +31.3

STORE.
3.9X5.2 M

DINNING.
3.8 X 4.2 M

KITCHEN.
3.2 X 2.6 M

LOBBY
BED ROOM
3.9x4.8 M

BALCONY

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

DINNING.
3.9x5.1M

DINNING.
3.9x4.5 M

CASE STUDY
MATERIALS:In exterior
on faade ashlar stone along with concrete is used to give rough texture to the building.
The rough texture and disposition of stone make them almost integral to the site.
For roof of working high school block and auditorium prefabricated lattice steel shell is used.
Large glazed window used according to the climate of Delhi (composite).
Brick jalis are used in the corridors for proper ventilation during summers
The trash is also made up of concrete and finished with terrazzo.

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
In interior
Walls are well painted with enamel paint.
Marble flooring is done in middle and elementary school. Where as
terrazzo flooring is done in high school and auditorium block.
For room gypsum board is used due to acoustic factor.
In outer corridor simple concrete flooring with glass glass strip is
done.

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
LANDSCAPE
The unleveled and rocky outcropping site is beautifully incorporated into landscaping.
The levels of the sites are not disturbed. Steps or small slopes are made to access it.
The existing rocks are not removed from the site and used as a landscape feature.

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
CIRCULATION
Site circulation
Two type of movement is there in campus.
-Vehicular movement
- pedestrian movement
The vehicular movement is restricted outside the campus.
Vehicular movement for staff residences is from the back road.
The main campus and residential block is only having pedestrian
movement.

VEHICULAR PARKING
PEDESTRAIN MOVEMENT

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
Inner circulation
The circulation of each block is according to its planning.
The width of corridor is according to the standards.
- Single loaded = 2m
- double loaded = 2.4m

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

8-0

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
HIGH
SCHOOL

6-6

YELLOW COLOUR SHOWING CIRCULATION

AREA IN VARIOUS BLOCKS

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
PLAYFEILD/OUTDOOR FACILITIES)
INDOOR
OUTDOOR

School having many sports facilities for the better growth of child,
indoor as well as outdoor.
Various outdoor facilities:
1 400 m track
2 Football court
3 Tennis court
4 Basket ball court
5 squash court
6 Swimming pool
7 Gymnasium
8 Dancing hall

6
5

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

2
3

CASE STUDY
INFERENCE
Site planning
The Climate of Delhi is composite type, with hot summers and cold winters. Keeping this
in mind effort has been made to provide max. cross ventilation during summers and plenty of
sunlight during winters, which is achieved by providing wide windows in N-W direction.
The design is compact and prevent students from walking large distances in hot summers
sun and chilled winter winds.
It is flexible temperature controlled environment.
The campus has a scattered planning with the focal point being the centrally placed
auditorium..
There is no high rises and the natural lay of the land has been retained. Different building
blocks merge into surrounding topography.
The green buffer zones between the adjacent blocks adds a soft look to the
rigid built mass.
Well zoned site according to the area..

Class room
Flexibility in the layout of classrooms.
Ample daylight in the classrooms.
Ample storage for both the teachers and students.
The school has subject based classrooms.
The advantages is that the layout can be done in accordance to the subject.
The disadvantages however is that a lot of time is wasted in changing classes.

landscaping

The unleveled and rocky outcropping site is beautifully incorporated into landscaping.
The existing rocks are not removed from the site and used as a landscape feature.

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI

CASE STUDY
AREA ANALYSIS
Total site area = 12 acres
1) Built up = 3.2 acres (26.6%)
2) Playfields = 1.2 acres (10%)
3) Open spaces = 7.6 acres (63.4%)

1) Academic/Admin.=1.9 acres (14.2%)

2) Residential

= 0.8 acres (6.6%)

3) Recreational

= 0.7 acres (5.8%)

4) Sports Facilities =1.2 acres (10%)

5) Open spaces

= 7.6 acres (63.4%)

AMERICAN EMBASSY SCHOOL, NEW DELHI