Innovation in Management of Primary School Construction--A Case Study. Educational Building Report 3.

The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) is one of the national laboratories of India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. CBRI has applied the techniques of partial prefabrication to school building programs in Uttar Pradesh, the state having the largest population in India. The plan provides that the elements of a basic shelter--foundations, supporting columns and a roof--be furnished in places where primary schools are needed. The local community is to provide the wall panels, windows, doors, and floor, using local materials and at its own expense. The criteria for the design of the prefabricated elements included (1) simplicity in assembly, (2) ease of transport using lorries or bullock carts, and (3) weight low enough to permit easy handling. This case study details the school designs and the development of the organizational structure to meet the total building program for 5,000 or more schools in a period of three years. (Author/MLF)