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    • Play is the highest form of learning
    • How to Setup a Montessori Home Environment
    • Prefab Design ARBO Homes by Atelier ARBO
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    • 15 TED Talks for Education
    • Stimulating a Child’s Holistic Growth - Designing spaces through the Montessorian Way
    • Bioclimatic Design Strategies
    • Our inspiration for School design from Architect Prakash Nair
    • Exploring fascinating library spaces around the world
    • Creating a Sustainable Future: How Green Roofing Systems can be a Wise Choice
    • Innovative ways in which Pre-engineered homes can be a boon for large-scale residential developments
    • Will Mumbai benefit from high-rise towers in the coming future?
    • Finding Connections between Weaving and Architecture
    • How to Design home libraries: A fresh Perspective
    • Building Exceptional Primary Schools in India
    • Bringing Nature Inside: A journey through an innovative School Design Inspired by Biophilia
    • Compact Perfection: Tiny Prefab Homes for Luxurious Weekend Villas in Mumbai
    • ​Pre-Engineered Homes and Resorts
    • Uncover the hidden potential: Site Analysis Essentials for stunning landscape design and Master Planning Development
    • From Good to Great: Building Exceptional Primary Schools
    • Pre-Engineered Structures are transforming the Remote Hospitality Industry in India
    • Creating Conducive and Inspiring Learning Spaces for Children
    • Exploring the Concept of Compact Pre-Engineered Homes in Mumbai
    • Ideas to be included in a Master Plan Developement
    • How to design a primary school where learning has no limits
    • Assessing the role of Master Planning in 5 Acre, 50 Acre, 100 Acre to 200 Acre Land
    • Harmonizing Nature and Luxury: The Architects Journey in Designing Green Resorts of Distinction
    • A Step by Step Guide to Design Optimal Row House Buildings with Plans for your Residential Master Planning
    • Unlocking Potential: How to Foster Independence and Creativity with a Montessori Home Environment
    • Secure Living: Why Mumbai Apartment Buildings Need Structural Stability Studies
    • A Sense of ownership in Public Open Spaces
    • What makes a city Child Friendly?
    • 7 Reasons why your kids need Outdoor Play Spaces
    • Ideas to consider for creating an Indoor Play Space for Children
    • Assessing the role of Master Planning in 5/50/100/200 Acre land
    • ​Design of Electrical Substation in India by Mumbai Architect
    • Feasibility of Re-development Projects in Mumbai
    • Exploring Tensile Roof Structure Design
    • How to Conduct a Real Estate Development Feasibility Study
    • Designing excellent primary schools in India
    • Landscape Architecture In India: Exploration by Atelier ARBO from Mumbai
    • Impact of Natural Lighting in Montessori Pre-School
    • Alternative School Architecture Design Principle - A Montessori Way of looking at education
    • The Ultimate Guide: Designing the Perfect Apartment Complex for Modern Urban Living
    • Unveiling the Steel Marvel: Inside the Architect's Journey of Designing a Dream House in the Hills of Uttarakhand
    • The Art of creating an inviting Apartment Building Design Plan
    • Designing Dreams: How a Mumbai Architect Can Transform Your Bungalow into a Luxurious Haven
    • Safety First: Expert Insights on Designing Earthquake-Resistant Apartment Buildings in India's High-Risk Zones
    • From Folded Paper to Compact Living: Discover Mumbai-based Atelier ARBO's Origami-inspired Tiny House Design
    • Transforming Hillsides with Pre-Engineered Building Designs
    • Site Analysis Essentials for Stunning Landscape Design and Master Planning
    • The Perfect Blend: Transforming Hillsides with Local Craftsmanship and Pre-Engineered
    • Designing the Future of School Planning for an Innoative & Enahnced Educational Experience
    • Creating Harmony: Unveiling the Master Planning of Wellness Resort by Mumbai Architect in Uttarakhand
    • The Perfect Blend: Transforming Hillsides with Local Craftsmanship and Pre-Engineered Building Design by a Mumbai Architect
    • The Art of Wellness: How Master Planning and Design Enhance Health Resorts
    • Creating an Unforgettable Experience: 10 Key Elements for Designing an Eco-Friendly Resort in India
    • Designing Stunning Glamping Resorts
    • Creating Tranquility: The Art of Mountain Resort Master Planning and Design
    • Beyond Beauty: The Science Behind Luxury Resort Master Planning and Architecture Design Principles
    • Designing the Perfect Retreat: What to Consider in Resort Master Planning
    • ​Creating Harmony: Unveiling the Architect-Designed Wellness Resort and Masterplanning in Uttarakhand
    • Landscape Design Architects in Mumbai
    • Role of Sustainable Landscape Architecture in India's Development
    • Role of Master Planning Architecture in India
    • Landscape Architecture Design
    • Eco-Friendly Landscape Architecture Design
    • Creating Community Spaces in Apartment Building
    • Designing Affordable Housing
    • Maximizing Space in Urban Apartment Buildings
    • Design Solutions for Library Cafe
    • Innovative Cafe Library Interior Design
    • Exploring Cafe Interior and Architecture Design in India
    • Best Master planning Architect in India
    • Master Planning in Architecture
    • Modular and Prefabricated Apartment Complexes: Shaping the Future of Urban Construction
    • Urban Heat Reduction Techniques for Apartment Building Design: Ideas by Mumbai Architect
    • Techniques for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Apartment Building Floor Plan Design: Ideas by Mumbai Architect
    • Techniques for Optimizing Daylight Quality for an Apartment: Ideas by Mumbai Architect
    • Designing for biodiversity: Ideas and techniques considered by Mumbai Architect
    • Prakash Nair's Educational Architecture: Shaping the Vision for Better School Design and Learning Spaces
    • Connecting nature and learning: The Architectural Dialogue between Prakash Nair and Atelier ARBO, a Mumbai based young architectural firm
    • Designing for Thermal Mass and Insulation for Homes: Ideas and Techniques Considered by Mumbai Architect
    • Designing for Diversity: Architectural Solutions for Alternate Educational Institutions
    • Energy Modulation and Simulation Software: A Review of the Best Tools Available Today
    • Human centered learning spaces: The link between Prakash Nair's Designs and Atelier ARBO Philosophy
    • Redefining Education through Architecture: Prakash Nair’s Impact on Atelier ARBO’s Projects
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Montessori Pre-School at Lower Parel, Mumbai : Harmony Montessori

___________________________________________________

Plot Area: 3100 Sq.Ft.
Location: Lower Parel, Mumbai
Year: 1 June 2023 to 15 August 2023
​Scope of Work: Interior Design & Detailing
​Over 20 Years Harmony Montessori has been providing well-rounded education for children of age 12 months to 12 years. The institution is well known for its Montessori Way of Education which allows freedom of exploration. With gradual growth over the years the institution has flourished from three branches, to their newest branch at Lower Parel, Mumbai. The site is located in the heart of the Kamla Mills commercial complex which is well connected to the prime locations of the city. This commercial complex houses various offices, showrooms and restaurants. The site has ample parking and walking spaces which are away from the vehicular traffic of the main access road.

​The school was designed with the idea of biophilia that emphasize nature and human interactions. It was essential for the space to have a well-balanced biophilic design for improving the well-being and learning experience. With limited access to outdoor space, the overall plantation was sensibly chosen to improve the indoor air quality as well as to provide a calm, peaceful environment. This will positively impact the child’s cognitive and emotional state of being. We ensured easy access to indoor plants to encourage children to develop empathy towards nature. 
Picture
Following a minimal design principle, the chosen color palette will allow lesser distraction for children and with subtle pastel shades for floor rugs, cushions, sofa covers, etc. we tried to create a harmonious interior space which is calm, cool and organic, to reflect the Japanadi style. 

It was important for us at Atelier ARBO, to study and understand the use of spaces through the eyes of a child. Since the physical proportion of an adult is different than a child’s, it was crucial to design at the appropriate height for children which will be easy for them to approach and access. Different educational material at any of the Montessori school is simple, unique and attractive, hence as an architect, it is our responsibility to design their learning and play spaces appropriate to their height.  When things are placed at a child’s height it provides them a sense of belonging and attachment to the school.
Picture
Keeping the scale in mind, we emphasized the windows at a child’s height so as to allow them a better view of outside from inside. To ensure the visual connect of the surroundings we included lower seating and floor cushion spaces at multiple locations within the classrooms and common spaces. It was key to provide them with a few comfortable chairs and sofas so that they can sit in a pleasant and enjoyable environment. In line with Maria Montessori’s most essential philosophy i.e. “teach me to do things myself”, we created washrooms with washbasins and water closets which are well adapted to younger children’s height. 
​
The design brief focused towards a child-centered learning and especially for children between 2-6 or 6-12 years of age. A Montessori classroom acknowledges hands-on method of learning experience which is why the school needed to have an open plan layout. The classroom layouts are not just linear rectangular blocks and are rather designed to provide various bays and recessed corners which are appropriate for multiple activities. Large volumetric spaces are great for children’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth. The classrooms are of adequate sizes to accommodate most of the Montessori educational material which is appropriate for primary and toddlers. They are intentionally kept in an orderly fashion to provide them clear choice and selection. 
Picture
We considered four key environmental factors in our selection which are: 
(i) Acoustics – Along with the spatial organization, it was essential to consider and evaluate the quality of sound during peak hours of the school. In order to combat this, a baffle ceiling of non-woven polyester fiber acoustical panels was used to absorb the reflected sound. Made from recycled plastic bottles and having a high NRC (Noise Reduction Quotient), it provided the appropriate sound reduction in order to encourage the child’s concentration. This is also extended in the play area where the decibel levels are the highest after school hours.

(ii) Air Quality – To effectively improve the indoor air quality, plants like Raphis palms, Ficus, Monstera etc. were incorporated in the layout.
​
(iii) Lighting – Unified lighting was essential for all the classrooms as the Common play space had all the external windows, so a mix of 4000 Kelvin and 6000 Kelvin light fixtures were chosen. 200 Lux level of lighting was achieved along with certain decorative lighting ideas for each classroom and washroom spaces. 

(iv) Thermal comfort - Ventilation for the overall space was from only one side, so it was essential for us to design the classrooms and other spaces with proper mechanical ventilation with air cooled units and ventilation ducts to throw fresh air from outside. This allowed us to achieve a good thermal comfort indoors at all working hours of the day. 
Picture
At Atelier ARBO, we value sustainability and conscious design decisions with regards to our carbon footprint. This is also followed in our material selection for this project. Materials like wood and cane are incorporated in the furniture and décor items that make up the large quantum of items in the classrooms which can be recycled in future. Additionally, the recycled ceiling panels used for the acoustical treatment in the classrooms and play areas can be repurposed or reused.
​
The indoor play area is common to all classrooms and it acts as an informal learning space with indoor play equipment’s and a reading corner with a library. The sliding doors of the classrooms provide flexibility of space by opening into the Play area. The length of the common play area has a continuous array of windows that provides a panoramic view of the outdoors, which brings in the much-needed natural light. The open library was designed with bookshelves of varying heights which empowers children to select their reading material on their own and encourages choice to develop love for reading. Taking advantage of the panoramic view through the windows, we added floor cushions in the library space so as to provide comfortable seating and optimize the dynamic views of the sky. 

The fact that this generously spacious school has only three classrooms makes it a haven for young children to develop curiosity to learn independently. The design is simple yet effective; distinguishing itself from other regular preschools in the city. The classrooms encourage multi age group kids to work and play together with freedom to learn through exploration and mutual interaction.  These alternative ways of education are the core ideas which will evolve a new generation of progressive thinkers.

​Read more articles related to Montessori Education here!

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​Bringing nature inside: A journey through an innovative school design inspired by Biophilia


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Rendered Views of Site

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Video's of Montessori School


Publication of Montessori School Project

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Harmony Montessori School | Atelier ARBO

Link - ​https://www.archidiaries.com/projects/harmony-montessori-school-atelier-arbo/
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​Harmony Montessori School: Experiencing Through Design and Nature

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​Montessori

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​Harmony Montessori School in Mumbai, India

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Harmony Montessori School in Mumbai encourages autonomy for children

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Architects and Interiors India

Over 20 Years Harmony Montessori has been providing well-rounded education for children of age 12 months to 12 years. The institution is well known for its Montessori Way of Education which allows freedom of exploration. 

Link - 
https://www.architectandinteriorsindia.com/projects/see-through-the-eyes-of-a-child-inside-mumbais-biophilic-pre-school​
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Fabien Charuau Photography

Link - ​https://www.fabiencharuauphotography.com/project-database/harmony-montessori-school
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Harmony Montessori School in Mumbai by Atelier ARBO

​Link - https://archello.com/project/montessori-school-in-mumbai-by-atelier-arbo
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Montessori Pre School in Mumbai by Atelier ARBO

Link - ​https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/educational/9837-montessori-pre-school-in-mumbai-by-atelier-arbo/#google_vignette
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Montessori Pre-School in Mumbai

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​This Montessori School Design Provides Children A Hands On Experience | Atelier ARBO

Link - https://thearchitectsdiary.com/this-montessori-school-design-provides-children-a-hands-on-experience-atelier-arbo/
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​Harmony Montessori School Design at Lower Parel, Mumbai

Link - ​https://architizer.com/projects/harmony-montessori-school-design-at-lower-parel-mumbai/
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  • HOME
    • ABOUT US
    • BLOG
    • EVENTS >
      • London Design Festival 2025 (LDF 2025)
      • London Design Festival 2023 (LDF 2023)
    • SKETCHES
  • SERVICES
  • WORK
    • Montessori School in Sanpada, Mumbai : CHALK
    • School Library in Baroda, Gujarat
    • Montessori School in Mumbai
    • Montessori School Library Design at Bangalore, India
    • Pre-Engineered Homes in Lonavala, Maharashtra
    • Master Planning of 5 Acre Residential Township
    • Public Park at Juhu Beach, Mumbai, India
    • Design Development of Substation for a Township at Gujarat
    • House in Sohar, Oman
    • Master Planning at Mauritius
    • Nagaland Apartment Building Design
    • Feasibility report for real estate development at Kishanganj, BIhar
    • House in Liberia
    • House in Chennai, TamilNadu
    • House Interior Design at Bandstand, Bandra west, Mumbai
    • Almeida Park, Bandra West
    • High rise apartment building at Sana'a, Yemen
    • Jogger's Park, Bandra West
    • Hyderabad Residential Apartment
    • Bandstand Junction Park
    • Arbour Park at Bandstand, Bandra West, Mumbai
    • Children's Play Park at Chembur, Mumbai
    • Bandstand Park 2
    • Bandstand Park 1
  • NEWS
  • INSIGHTS
    • Play is the highest form of learning
    • How to Setup a Montessori Home Environment
    • Prefab Design ARBO Homes by Atelier ARBO
    • Library Cafe Design
    • Architects participating in Architectural Design Competitions
    • 15 TED Talks for Education
    • Stimulating a Child’s Holistic Growth - Designing spaces through the Montessorian Way
    • Bioclimatic Design Strategies
    • Our inspiration for School design from Architect Prakash Nair
    • Exploring fascinating library spaces around the world
    • Creating a Sustainable Future: How Green Roofing Systems can be a Wise Choice
    • Innovative ways in which Pre-engineered homes can be a boon for large-scale residential developments
    • Will Mumbai benefit from high-rise towers in the coming future?
    • Finding Connections between Weaving and Architecture
    • How to Design home libraries: A fresh Perspective
    • Building Exceptional Primary Schools in India
    • Bringing Nature Inside: A journey through an innovative School Design Inspired by Biophilia
    • Compact Perfection: Tiny Prefab Homes for Luxurious Weekend Villas in Mumbai
    • ​Pre-Engineered Homes and Resorts
    • Uncover the hidden potential: Site Analysis Essentials for stunning landscape design and Master Planning Development
    • From Good to Great: Building Exceptional Primary Schools
    • Pre-Engineered Structures are transforming the Remote Hospitality Industry in India
    • Creating Conducive and Inspiring Learning Spaces for Children
    • Exploring the Concept of Compact Pre-Engineered Homes in Mumbai
    • Ideas to be included in a Master Plan Developement
    • How to design a primary school where learning has no limits
    • Assessing the role of Master Planning in 5 Acre, 50 Acre, 100 Acre to 200 Acre Land
    • Harmonizing Nature and Luxury: The Architects Journey in Designing Green Resorts of Distinction
    • A Step by Step Guide to Design Optimal Row House Buildings with Plans for your Residential Master Planning
    • Unlocking Potential: How to Foster Independence and Creativity with a Montessori Home Environment
    • Secure Living: Why Mumbai Apartment Buildings Need Structural Stability Studies
    • A Sense of ownership in Public Open Spaces
    • What makes a city Child Friendly?
    • 7 Reasons why your kids need Outdoor Play Spaces
    • Ideas to consider for creating an Indoor Play Space for Children
    • Assessing the role of Master Planning in 5/50/100/200 Acre land
    • ​Design of Electrical Substation in India by Mumbai Architect
    • Feasibility of Re-development Projects in Mumbai
    • Exploring Tensile Roof Structure Design
    • How to Conduct a Real Estate Development Feasibility Study
    • Designing excellent primary schools in India
    • Landscape Architecture In India: Exploration by Atelier ARBO from Mumbai
    • Impact of Natural Lighting in Montessori Pre-School
    • Alternative School Architecture Design Principle - A Montessori Way of looking at education
    • The Ultimate Guide: Designing the Perfect Apartment Complex for Modern Urban Living
    • Unveiling the Steel Marvel: Inside the Architect's Journey of Designing a Dream House in the Hills of Uttarakhand
    • The Art of creating an inviting Apartment Building Design Plan
    • Designing Dreams: How a Mumbai Architect Can Transform Your Bungalow into a Luxurious Haven
    • Safety First: Expert Insights on Designing Earthquake-Resistant Apartment Buildings in India's High-Risk Zones
    • From Folded Paper to Compact Living: Discover Mumbai-based Atelier ARBO's Origami-inspired Tiny House Design
    • Transforming Hillsides with Pre-Engineered Building Designs
    • Site Analysis Essentials for Stunning Landscape Design and Master Planning
    • The Perfect Blend: Transforming Hillsides with Local Craftsmanship and Pre-Engineered
    • Designing the Future of School Planning for an Innoative & Enahnced Educational Experience
    • Creating Harmony: Unveiling the Master Planning of Wellness Resort by Mumbai Architect in Uttarakhand
    • The Perfect Blend: Transforming Hillsides with Local Craftsmanship and Pre-Engineered Building Design by a Mumbai Architect
    • The Art of Wellness: How Master Planning and Design Enhance Health Resorts
    • Creating an Unforgettable Experience: 10 Key Elements for Designing an Eco-Friendly Resort in India
    • Designing Stunning Glamping Resorts
    • Creating Tranquility: The Art of Mountain Resort Master Planning and Design
    • Beyond Beauty: The Science Behind Luxury Resort Master Planning and Architecture Design Principles
    • Designing the Perfect Retreat: What to Consider in Resort Master Planning
    • ​Creating Harmony: Unveiling the Architect-Designed Wellness Resort and Masterplanning in Uttarakhand
    • Landscape Design Architects in Mumbai
    • Role of Sustainable Landscape Architecture in India's Development
    • Role of Master Planning Architecture in India
    • Landscape Architecture Design
    • Eco-Friendly Landscape Architecture Design
    • Creating Community Spaces in Apartment Building
    • Designing Affordable Housing
    • Maximizing Space in Urban Apartment Buildings
    • Design Solutions for Library Cafe
    • Innovative Cafe Library Interior Design
    • Exploring Cafe Interior and Architecture Design in India
    • Best Master planning Architect in India
    • Master Planning in Architecture
    • Modular and Prefabricated Apartment Complexes: Shaping the Future of Urban Construction
    • Urban Heat Reduction Techniques for Apartment Building Design: Ideas by Mumbai Architect
    • Techniques for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Apartment Building Floor Plan Design: Ideas by Mumbai Architect
    • Techniques for Optimizing Daylight Quality for an Apartment: Ideas by Mumbai Architect
    • Designing for biodiversity: Ideas and techniques considered by Mumbai Architect
    • Prakash Nair's Educational Architecture: Shaping the Vision for Better School Design and Learning Spaces
    • Connecting nature and learning: The Architectural Dialogue between Prakash Nair and Atelier ARBO, a Mumbai based young architectural firm
    • Designing for Thermal Mass and Insulation for Homes: Ideas and Techniques Considered by Mumbai Architect
    • Designing for Diversity: Architectural Solutions for Alternate Educational Institutions
    • Energy Modulation and Simulation Software: A Review of the Best Tools Available Today
    • Human centered learning spaces: The link between Prakash Nair's Designs and Atelier ARBO Philosophy
    • Redefining Education through Architecture: Prakash Nair’s Impact on Atelier ARBO’s Projects
    • The Alluring Charm of Home Libraries
    • 8 ‘Must-Watch’ Movies for Architects
    • Our exploration of an artist’s space
  • COMPETITIONS
    • Easdale Design Competition at Scotland
    • Brooklyn Bridge Competition 2020
    • Archisource
  • Un-Built
    • Spaces Below the Bridge, Mumbai
    • Nariman Point Office Library Design
    • Turner Road Street Crossing
    • BMC Park 1
    • BMC Park 2
    • BMC Park 3
    • BMC Park 4
    • Streets4all
    • Temporary Water Holding Structure
  • PRODUCTS
  • BOOKS
  • INFO
    • Master Planning of Mumbai and it's future
    • Architecture in India for Schools
  • CONTACT US
    • CAREER