'druk white lotus school' by arup associates in shey, ladakh, india
image courtesy of arup associates
photograph by christian richters



image courtesy of drukpa trust


'druk white lotus school' by london-based architectural practice arup associates has been
severely affected by a series of recent flash floods. located in the village of shey, ladakh,
in the western himalayas of northern india, initial inspections of the school indicate limited
structural damage but many internal walls and floors are in need of replacement.
overall, the anti-seismic buildings have withstood the flow of the mud, but further studies
and mitigation design strategies will be employed for possible future natural disasters.

since its completion, the project has received recognition worldwide, including the british council
for school environment award for 'the most inspiring building globally' in 2009.
the project took nearly 15 years of close collaboration with the client body to ensure
that the new school offered an academic model suitable for a local community experiencing
enormous pressure to change under the influence of modernity. the resulting design focuses
on not only sustainability in terms of reducing energy consumption, but sustainability
of all components of humanity such as tradition and religion.

for more information or to donate to assist in the school's rebuilding,
visit the druk white lotus school's website.



image courtesy of drukpa trust



classroom after the mudslide
image courtesy of drukpa trust



image courtesy of drukpa trust



image courtesy of drukpa trust




volunteers assisting with the clean up
image courtesy of drukpa trust



children and parents helping out with the mud removal
image courtesy of drukpa trust



the school before the flash floods
image courtesy of arup associates
photograph by christian richters



image courtesy of arup associates
photograph by christian richters



image courtesy of arup associates
photograph by christian richters



2-storey junior block
image courtesy of arup associates
photograph by christian richters



trombe walls
image courtesy of arup associates
photograph by christian richters



horizontal and vertical anti-seismic cross-bracing
image courtesy of arup associates
photograph by christian richters



photovoltaic panels
image courtesy of arup associates
photograph by christian richters



classroom
image courtesy of arup associates
photograph by christian richters