- The North-DMC forwarded (through email) the proposal for consideration by the Commission.
- Earlier, the Commission approved the building plans of the school campus of St. Xaviers School Education Society at Shahabad Daulatpur at its meeting held on September 29, 1995. Subsequently, NOC for Completion of the St. Xaviers School for Xaviers Education Society was issued on July 29, 2015.
- The building plans proposal for additions and alterations (additional school building block with connecting bridge comprising of ground + four floors) received (through email) at the formal stage was scrutinised. Based on the submission made, including drawings, documentations and photographs submitted etc, the following observations are to be complied with:
a) The Commission observed that the current proposal is part of a large campus comprising of the following existing development of site:
School building block: G+3, Hostel block: G+1, Residence block: G+1.
b) The proposal pertains to the additional school building block comprising of G + 4 building, along with a connecting bridge, within an existing campus. The Commission noted that when evaluating the case, it did not take into account the existing built construction at the site. This relates only to the current proposal.
c) The Commission observed that, as the proposal forms part of a large existing campus with substantial existing development, the submission does not adequately document the site in its entirety. It shall be ensured that comprehensive uncut site photographs of the entire complex are submitted, duly annotated to identify the existing buildings, main entrance, boundary wall, parking areas, playgrounds, superstructures, terrace areas, site portion where additional block is being planned to be constructed, surrounding site context, and other significant site features. Such documentation shall facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the overall architectural vocabulary and site context, thereby enabling an informed assessment of the proposal by the Commission.
d) The proposed building block forms part of a larger campus comprising several existing buildings and includes a proposed connecting corridor at the second-floor level linking the existing and proposed blocks. The Commission observed that the proposal cannot be assessed in isolation and shall be assessed in the context of the overall campus and its surrounding environment.
Accordingly, comprehensive 3D views of the proposed building block shall be superimposed at its proposed location within the existing campus, clearly depicting the adjoining building blocks (in actual) with in the campus , the proposed connecting corridor, internal circulation, surrounding road network, landscape features, and other relevant site elements, to understand proposed development with its existing context to facilitate a comprehensive assessment of its visual, and architectural impact.
e) It was observed from the second-floor plan that a connecting bridge has been proposed. However, the submission does not adequately depict the bridge in terms of the existing blocks it connects, its architectural design, material palette, specifications, and its visual integration with the overall development. It shall be ensured that the revised submission includes all the requisite plans, sections, annotated 3D views, and details of materials and finishes to clearly illustrate the proposed connecting bridge, its relationship with the existing buildings, and its integration with the overall architectural character of the site.
f) It was noted that the requisite parking requirement of 491 ECS has been shown as surface parking within the open areas of the school campus. Considering the nature of the development, where a significant number of parents and visitors are expected during school hours and special occasions, a dedicated visitor parking area shall be explored, preferably in the vicinity of the existing main entrance with access fork outside. Further, the proposal shall clearly indicate the location of bus parking bays, designated pick-up and drop-off areas, and the circulation pattern of school buses within the campus. A comprehensive circulation plan showing clearly demarcated parking areas, segregated pedestrian and vehicular movement, and designated pick-up/drop-off zones shall be submitted to ensure safe, efficient, and conflict-free movement within the campus.
The Commission suggested to explore the feasibility of accommodating the additional parking requirements within a basement beneath the proposed block, so as to minimise surface parking to improve ground water recharge and maximise the availability of open areas for landscaping, thereby improving the environmental quality and visual character of the campus. All parking provisions shall adhere to all the applicable norms/guidelines/regulations, etc. (in terms of points no. 18 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval)), as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
g) The school campus is already functional; therefore, the existing and proposed pedestrian and vehicular circulation within the site shall be clearly elucidated. As parking has been proposed across various parts of the campus, a comprehensive mobility and circulation plan shall be submitted, illustrating seamless and conflict-free pedestrian and vehicular movement from the site entry to the various building blocks including the proposed block. The plan shall clearly indicate the segregation of pedestrian and vehicular circulation, parking areas, and designated pick-up and drop-off zones to facilitate a better understanding of the overall movement pattern within the campus.
h) It was observed from the submitted floor plans that several spaces, including the classroom on the second floor, corridors, toilets attached to the staff room, coordinator room, studios, store room, pantry, and other ancillary areas, do not appear to receive adequate natural light and ventilation. The layout shall be suitably reviewed and corrected to ensure that all these spaces are provided with adequate natural light and ventilation (in terms of points no. 5 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval)), as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
i) It was observed that no provision for a universal accessible toilet has been envisaged in the proposal. The proposal shall be revised to incorporate universal toilets and ensure that all areas of the proposed school are designed to be barrier-free and universally accessible in accordance with the applicable norms, regulations, and accessibility guidelines.
j) The elevations, sections, and detailed façade (skin) sections clearly depict the architectural elements, sun-shading features, material specifications, and construction details, so as to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the proposed architectural design and façade treatment.
k) It was observed that the proposed multipurpose hall has not been provided with universal accessibility ramps. Further, the seating/capacity and functional use of the hall have not been adequately explained. The proposal shall be revised to incorporate barrier-free access and submit the requisite details to facilitate a better understanding of the multipurpose hall optimal utilisation and functioning.
l) The Commission further observed that toilets have been proposed directly above the multipurpose hall on the first floor. In this regard, a detailed sectional drawing through the multipurpose hall shall be submitted, clearly illustrating the plumbing and service arrangements, floor-to-floor relationship, and the spatial interface between the hall and the adjoining spaces.
The Commission observed that the nomenclature of certain toilets has not been indicated or is incomplete in the submitted drawings. The same shall be reviewed and corrected, with the intended user nomenclature (Male/Female/Universal, as applicable) clearly indicated throughout the proposal.
m) The Commission observed that the landing provided at the main entrance of the proposed building block is inadequate in width to safely accommodate the anticipated movement of a large number of students. The existing arrangement may lead to congestion and pose safety risks during peak hours. The entrance landing shall, therefore, be suitably widened and redesigned, incorporating universal accessibility features in accordance with the applicable norms, to ensure safe, barrier-free, and efficient pedestrian movement.
n) It was observed that the pump rooms and underground water tank have been shown in close proximity to the proposed school building without clearly indicating whether these are existing or proposed. Their location adjacent to the building is likely to adversely affect the functioning of the school, besides creating visual intrusion and potentially obstructing natural light and ventilation to the classrooms. The proposal shall be reviewed, and these services shall be relocated to a more appropriate location. The revised proposal shall clearly indicate their status (existing/proposed) and be supported with the necessary drawings, photographic details, and any other information.
o) It was observed that the submission (formal) does not include the structural arrangement, including the column layout. It shall be ensured that the complete structural arrangement is incorporated in the plans, as it may have a bearing on the internal planning, functionality, and façade design of the building, thereby facilitating a comprehensive assessment of the proposal.
p) It is understood that most of the classrooms may not be air-conditioned, but can preplan for potential additions in future including the administrative areas, principal rooms etc. which could be using separate air-conditioning units. Air-conditioners could be an eye-sore to the building façade. To avoid the same, the provision shall be made in the design to accommodate the outdoor units, at this stage, so as not to impact the aesthetics. A scheme needs to be submitted to show the placement, screening and material of screening for the same in plans/elevations and 3d views.
q) It was observed that the submitted drawings do not indicate the plumbing shafts for the proposed toilets. The revised submission shall include suitably designed plumbing shafts to accommodate building services in an integrated manner, ensuring that service pipes remain concealed and do not detract from the overall façade treatment and architectural aesthetics of the building.
r) All plumbing pipes, rainwater pipes, service equipment, DG Set, DG exhaust pipes, water tanks, air-conditioning units, solar panels etc., should be camouflaged appropriately (in terms of points nos. 10, 11, and 12 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval), as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
s) The Work of public art of suitable scale, size and material, imparting character and identity to the complex shall ensure to be installed in terms of point nos. 14 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) and Memorandum dated October 07, 2025 available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in. Any deviations in the artwork from the approved design must be submitted to the Commission for prior approval before the commencement of construction, to ensure compliance and facilitate final approval upon project completion.
t) The installation of clear-story solar panels on a well-designed structural frame, integrated with the building design, is suggested to ensure the effective utilisation of the space beneath, subject to feasibility as per building byelaws. This placement also facilitates easy maintenance, reduces heat load through increased shading, and improves aesthetics. The sustainability features shall be as per Point 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval), available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
- Overall, the proposal received at the formal stage lacks clarity, has discrepancies, and needs improvement. The architect is advised to adhere to all the above observations and provide a point-by-point incorporation and response.