In a densely populated city like Mumbai, Montessori schools have been developing in recent years. With a very humble beginning, Harmony Montessori has been educating children in Mumbai for past 20 years. Expanding into their new branch in the heart of the city, this 3,100 square-foot school houses three classrooms, all culminating into a common learning space brimming with intriguing activities.

A detailed study and analysis of the Montessori philosophies of education led to a design which exudes harmony and creates a well-prepared environment with openness for children. Visualizing the space through the eyes of a child, the continuous flow of the design, including classroom furniture, washroom fixtures, and learning material shelves, effortlessly caters to the anthropometry of children, encouraging them to make their own choices, complete all tasks independently, and become self-reliant. Inculcating the significance of learning through self-exploration, the design extends beyond typical box planning techniques by introducing playful pocket spaces and activity niches. 

The minimalist design having a neutral Ashwood and white-toned interiors emulates a dialect of seamless connection with nature by way of indoor plantations. Casting expansive views of the sky in the eyes of the children, lower seating areas and floor cushions face the continuous flow of long windows which paint a picturesque image of the lush outdoor foliage. Stimulating the conscious development of a child, a dialogue with nature nurtures a feeling of empathy towards the natural fauna and creates a soothing atmosphere for focused learning.  

While Montessori ideals enlighten the minds of the children, a mixture of warm and white light floods the spaces, comfortably brightening up the classrooms, with few decorative lights aesthetically enhancing the area. Children of varied age groups learn together in a well-ventilated space, growing and collaborating in unity. 

The design brief thoroughly revolved around the aim of captivating Montessori ideologies aptly in the planning process ultimately resulting in spaces which enhance the social, physical, and emotional development of a child.