Au Grand Air Nursery & Kindergarten by Paul Le Quernec – A Vibrant Learning Space in Gurgaon, India

Au Grand Air Nursery & Kindergarten, designed by French architect Paul Le Quernec, redefines early childhood education spaces in Gurgaon, India. Completed in 2022, the project merges playful architecture, vibrant design, and contextual sensitivity to create an environment where children can learn, explore, and grow.

What makes this project unique is the story of its origin. In 2015, during a challenging phase for the architectural practice, a chance phone call from Mr. Aditya, an Indian entrepreneur with the vision to establish world-class nurseries and kindergartens in India, changed everything. After initial skepticism, the collaboration began in Paris and later took shape in India, where the project started entirely from scratch.

Context & Urban Integration

Located in Gurgaon, a rapidly growing satellite city of New Delhi, the school stands at the edge of a luxury residential district and adjacent wastelands. Surrounded by towering 30-story apartment blocks and barren landscapes, the kindergarten was designed as a symbol of contrast—a small yet striking structure that brings vitality to its neighborhood.

The building’s hammer-shaped plan emerged from navigating complex urban planning regulations in India, highlighting the architect’s adaptability. Rising nearly 15 meters high, the project establishes a bold yet childlike presence amidst Gurgaon’s rigid verticality.

Design Concept – The “Urban Child”

The ambition behind the project was clear: to design a building that breaks the monotony of surrounding towers and embodies the playfulness of children. Unlike the monochrome, monotonous high-rises nearby, the kindergarten expresses life, energy, and vibrancy.

While bright colors are often stereotypically linked with childhood, Le Quernec’s approach was more nuanced. Here, color was used as a dialogue with the city rather than only for children. The interiors remain calm and restrained, while the façade radiates vibrancy, turning the school into an urban landmark.

Innovative Façade – A Vibrant Spectrum

The exterior features a “pineapple-skinned” cladding system composed of three-sided pyramids. Each facet alternates between the three primary colors—cyan, magenta, yellow—and the three secondary colors—orange, green, violet.

Depending on the angle of view, light, and time of day, the façade constantly shifts in appearance. From the street, it may appear blue or orange, while from high-rise balconies it glows green or yellow. This dynamic chromatic expression symbolizes the ever-changing energy of children, bringing joy not only to the students but also to the larger community.

Interior Experience

Inside, the kindergarten balances spatial openness and intimate corners, allowing children to feel both secure and free to explore. The use of natural light, fluid circulation, and warm materials fosters an atmosphere of comfort and creativity. The restrained interior palette ensures that the architecture complements rather than overwhelms the children’s activities.

A Landmark of Playful Architecture in India

The Au Grand Air Nursery & Kindergarten is more than just a school—it is an architectural statement about how educational spaces can challenge urban monotony, celebrate childhood, and inspire communities. By bringing European design sensibilities into the Indian urban landscape, Paul Le Quernec created a building that is both playful and profound, small yet significant, subtle yet striking.