Manifestation of Spaces in Gurukul System of Education

Abstract

Abstract: In ancient India education was a sacred tradition and the main aim was development of an individual as a whole by up lifting the individual intellectually, skillfully, cultural and spiritually. Living in the proximity of the Guru, students learn every aspect of life. The teaching and learning then was a continuous process. But this unique system was crushed during British rule and the glorious eco system came to a downfall. Gurukuls in ancient ages leave us unsolved clues for this setup of education, where students outreach their maximum potential and remain focused for attainment of knowledge. Now with the upcoming generation facing huge problems related to education such as unskillfulness, lack of focus, stress, lack of moral and ethical values, lost traditional and cultural inherence, calls for revival of Gurukul system for a holistic development, and so for the need of a physical setup which is traditional in concept but also fulfilling present day needs. There are some Gurukuls running in country but present Gurukuls and especially the Vedic Gurukuls are unplanned and are just organic growth of buildings as per the need and resources, leaving the place without any character and not even fulfilling the basic facilities. Now with a change in the outlook of the society the Gurukuls are again gaining a recognition. This paper aims to find physical spaces and environment for a gurukul which could aid for the holistic development of students providing traditional and simple solutions for enhancing learning. An effort is made to find the needs of spaces in present and future gurukuls though surveys and interviews. Traditional approach in planning of such spaces is done through various case studies. The project focuses toestablish a healthy and uplifting relationship between the teacher and student reviving the Gurushishya Parampara by spaces for more interaction between the two. Creating a balance between built and unbuilt forms. Result of study indicates that spaces designed for special training, skills, spiritual upliftment are equally important along with the spaces for daily activities like cleaning, cooking, praying etc. To encourages pupils being self-sufficient. The spaces and architecture need to be simple and sustainable for promoting simple living and high thinking