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Architects: Tsushima Design Studio
- Area: 22320 m²
- Year: 2012
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Photographs:Masao Nishikawa
The location of this kindergarten is in the midst of a low-rise residential area with severe site constraints and limitations on both the design and construction methods.
The architect examined the evolution of childcare facilities in modern Japanese society and decided to let the design be molded entirely by the site context and programmatic requirement. The design intent is to then allow the resulting architecture to “spread” and respond back into the local community.
The following strategies were employed by the architect to achieve the design intent. By blurring the boundaries and creating a large opening facing the main street, the community is able to visually and spatially connected with the activities happening within the kindergarten. Outdoor play-scape and facilities are integrated into the landscape design, which serves as playground, educational space, childcare space all at once while allowing these activities to “spill” and “spread” into the neighborhood.
Within the walls of the kindergarten, spaces are interconnected and very open. Children are able to observe and appreciate how their meals are being prepared in the kitchen from the main atrium and even from the second floor study rooms.
The architect is intrigued by concept of “play” in a childcare facility and hopes to create a lively environment to encourage young children to learn though exploring and inventing new ways to play in this project.
