First Place Winner
Camp Wildwood
Design by
Haritha VH, Haripriya Kottoor, Jayalakshmi MJ & Hanna Sara Thomas
Juror’s Comment:
A highly engaging and well-resolved proposal that beautifully translates nature into a hands-on learning ecosystem, with strong programmatic clarity and child-centric spatial experiences.
Work on:
Architectural expression could push further in conceptual depth and spatial experimentation beyond familiar camp typologies.
Haritha VH, Haripriya Kottoor, Jayalakshmi MJ & Hanna Sara Thomas
Hanna, Haripriya, Haritha, and Jayalakshmi are undergraduate architecture students at SCMS School of Architecture, united by a shared passion for thoughtful and context-sensitive design. Their academic journey has fostered interests in climate-responsive architecture, sustainable design practices, and nature-oriented planning that prioritizes environmental harmony and user well-being.
Drawing inspiration from the principles of traditional Kerala architecture, they value designs that respond to local climate, culture, materials, and craftsmanship. Through collaborative studio projects, research, field studies, and design explorations, they have developed skills in architectural design, documentation, visualization, and critical thinking. Their work reflects a commitment to creating meaningful, sustainable, and culturally rooted spaces that balance tradition with contemporary needs while enhancing the relationship between people, nature, and the built environment.
Celebrating Creativity & Vision
Winner’s Spotlight: An Exclusive Interview
Discover the story behind the victory — from concept to creation.
Concept & Interpretation
Our proposal was based on a simple idea: nature should be an active part of education, not just a backdrop.
Instead of enclosed classrooms, we created a nature-integrated learning environment with open spaces, treehouses, and activity zones where children learn through exploration and experience.
Reimagining the Classroom
The competition enabled us to rethink where learning starts. Here nature acts as a classroom. we designed for children as a summer camp enable them to explore the environment
The classroom itself became an open bamboo pavilion instead of a conventional room. Beyond that, the entire site functions as a classroom. Treehouses become observation decks, gardens support hands-on learning, and camping spaces encourage teamwork and exploration.
Learning Through Nature
Children are increasingly disconnected from experiential learning and one of the key principles of our design proposal was to reconnect them back into the nature. We wanted students to learn through participation and exploration rather than solely on instruction
Children engaged in activities such as champing, first aid training fishing and these help them to improve their environmental stewardship. These helps them to improve their problem-solving skills and boost their confidence
The natural setting itself becomes a teaching tool. Whether observing local biodiversity, participating in storytelling at the amphitheatre, or simply making discoveries during play, learning becomes engaging, memorable, and meaningful
Connection to Environment Place
We selected a rural site along the Periyar River in Kerala because it provides opportunities for children to connect with nature while remaining linked to a familiar community setting.
Kerala's tropical climate also shaped our design. The open-air pavilion maximizes ventilation, while the bamboo roof harvests rainwater, transforming environmental conditions into learning opportunities.
Flexibility & Inclusivity
Flexibility and inclusivity were important design considerations we considered during the design process. Rather than designing for a single-purpose we incorporated different teaching styles and different functions in a classroom itself
The bamboo pavilion can host lectures, workshops, discussions, and creative sessions, while the amphitheatre accommodates presentations and performances for kids
Different learning environments across the site allow children to engage in ways that align with their individual strengths, ensuring that every student can participate meaningfully
Sustainability & Ecological Awareness
Sustainability was integrated into both the architecture and the learning experience. We used locally sourced bamboo because of its renewability and connection to Kerala's traditional building practices
The open-air pavilion introduces natural ventilation and eliminates the mechanical ventilation and the roof system enabling rain water harvesting through bamboo flutes.
Preserving existing vegetation and using climate-responsive strategies not only reduce environmental impact but also help students understand conservation through everyday experience
Spatial Experience & Student Well-Being
Our goal was to create an environment that feels open, welcoming, and closely connected to nature
The bamboo pavilion allows natural light, fresh air, and uninterrupted views of the landscape, creating a comfortable and stimulating atmosphere
Additional spaces such as treehouses, gardens, camping zones, dormitories, and recreation areas support collaboration, creativity, relaxation, and overall well-being
The Future of Outdoor Education
We believe nature-integrated learning environments have the potential to reshape the future of education
As environmental challenges become more significant, students need not only knowledge about nature but also a personal connection with it
Architecture can create experiences that encourage exploration, observation, and responsibility, helping future generations become environmentally conscious lifelong learners.
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