BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) is an innovative concept towards qualitative improvement in education, through developing child-friendly, learning and fun based physical environment building in school infrastructure.

This concept was originally developed by Vinyas, Centre for Architectural Research & Design with support from UNICEF.

What is BaLA ?

BaLA is a way to holistically plan and use the school infrastructure. It incorporates the ideas of activity based learning, child friendliness and inclusive education for children with special needs (CWSN). At the core, it assumes that the architecture of school can be a resource for the teaching-learning processes.
There are two levels of this intervention:

1. Develop the SPACES to create varied teaching-learning situations

2. Develop the BUILT ELEMENTS in these spaces as teaching-learning aids

The Spaces can be

1. Classroom
2. Corridor
3. Steps and staircase
4. Outdoor space

The Built Elements can be

1. Floor
2. Wall
3. Window
4. Door
5. Ceiling
6. Platform
7. Furniture

BaLA is about innovatively treating the space and the built elements to make the existing school architecture more resourceful with higher educational value in a child friendly manner.