The St+art India Foundation and Asian Paints have collaborated to create Project Udaan, a reimagined school environment for neurodivergent children at Arpan Charitable Trust in Vadodara. This initiative showcases the power of thoughtful design in creating inclusive spaces that cater to diverse needs.
The project’s design incorporates tactile elements, matte pastel emulsions, and textured surfaces to create a multi-sensory environment that stimulates exploration while offering grounding. The space is designed to feel safe, engaging, and joyful, honoring the different ways children see, feel, and connect with the world around them.
The design process involved a co-creation approach with students, artists, and designers. The project’s lead artists, Amrit Khurana and Anikesa Dhing, brought their expertise and experience to the table, creating a space that is both functional and beautiful. The use of sensory rugs, pompom-textured surfaces, and cocoon-like structures caters to diverse sensory needs, while the matte finishes reduce glare for visual ease.
This project highlights the importance of inclusive design in creating spaces that are accessible and engaging for all users. By prioritizing the needs of neurodivergent children, the designers have created a space that is not only functional but also beautiful and engaging. As Amit Syngle, MD & CEO, Asian Paints, notes, “At Asian Paints, we believe spaces should do more than existโthey should evolve with their users.”
Image Courtesy: ANI
