studioPPBA

By Editorial Staff - 3 March 2025

In India, basic necessities such as food, clothing, and a place to sleep are out of reach for many orphaned children. Without parents or guardians, these children find themselves living on the streets, forced to work 16 hours a day. Nights can be even more hellish, particularly for girls. To combat this devastating reality, the interfaith Maher Trust non-governmental organization, founded in 1997 by Sister Lucy Kurien, strives to assist abused and impoverished women and children.

StudioPPBA’s design for the Maher Ashram orphanage in Satara, Maharashtra, is based on the conviction that architecture is capable of bridging the gulf between orphaned children and society as a whole. The ground floor of the building was consequently envisioned as a space open to the community, resembling a public square more than a traditional orphanage courtyard. At the same time, the living areas were conceived to reflect those in traditional Indian homes, enabling abandoned children to rediscover positive emotions, grow up in tranquility, and create joyful childhood memories.

The structure consists of two volumes with exposed brick façades, strategically placed on the southern and northern sides of the courtyard to ensure that the interior spaces receive ample natural light and ventilation. A staircase to the eastern side connects the various levels, leaving unobstructed views of the mountains to the west. The dining area and kitchen, along with their respective service rooms, are located at basement level beneath the courtyard. The first floor houses a playroom, the children’s bedrooms, an educator’s room, and a guest room. Another dormitory occupies the second floor, along with a library and two rooms earmarked for looking after and hosting any children who may fall ill. Each space is thoughtfully designed to adapt over time to the evolving needs of its users, accommodating amenities such as a spacious rooftop terrace, shaded by a...