CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
Building for the future For Woodstock to retain its position as a distinguished school, it would need to create a physical environment that supports our educational vision. Though full of historical character, a major part of Woodstock’s academic campus is now functionally outdated. The age of buildings combined with severe constraints on new construction in the Mussoorie area have forced us to a level of inflexibility that threatens to weaken the sense of community essential to the health of a school like ours, as well as impacting student learning. Woodstock continues to need a comprehensive strategy for development of its academic campus in the form of a phased uplift of facilities and services. This process needs to begin with the community’s evaluation of the academic campus environment with respect to its academic and strategic vision. The school’s commitment to “living responsibly” became essential when the Guiding Principles were affirmed by all
stakeholder groups. From this process needs to emerge a development strategy of renovation and reuse, new construction, and landscape design that collectively create moments for spontaneous interaction, showcase Woodstock’s unique pedagogy, create habitable outdoor areas, and better reflect the school’s academic and strategic vision. This urgently needed strategy also presents a powerful opportunity to more tangibly align all campus spaces and utilities within the same vision. The initiative will require extensive renovation of available academic infrastructure, enhancement of technology and increased flexibility, with an emphasis to embody the quality, character and inclusiveness that are distinguishing features of Woodstock. However, rather than a large-scale infrastructure upgradation program that involves complexities of governmental approvals and a massive infusion of financial capital, our revised vision is to address our needs through a
phased implementation plan, easing funding demands, limiting student interruption and providing a quick return on investment. We plan to achieve this outcome by upgrading the quality of our classrooms, common academic spaces, student life facilities and making investments in utility infrastructure. In summary, the renovation program would endeavour to build quality academic spaces, provide safety, promote interdisciplinary learning, integrate instruction and improve student outcomes. It should also set a precedent of restoration of the school’s attractive visual unity, while being harmonious with Woodstock’s prized natural environment. Of necessity through this extended process of renovation will be the setting of coherent, clear standards for aesthetics and all materials and equipment, so that the desired unity can be established and easily maintained.
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