Kindergarten “Tesla - Science for life” / DVA STUDIO

Curated by ArchDaily

Architects: DVA STUDIO
Area: 1890 m²
Year: 2013
Photographs:Relja Ivanić

Text description provided by the architects. Specific features of this location originate from the fact that primordial modernist setting of the New Belgrade, extremely modernized throughout the principles of Le Corbusier’s Ville Radieuse was interrupted by so called investor’s (speculators) architecture during the past few decades. One of the outcomes of such conflict is the fact that new-formed, fragmentized sites are in huge disproportion compared to existing structures and primarily, sites marked for the complementary functions such as educational facilities are in large scale undersized. So it is the case with this site for the kindergarten. That fact as well as the nearness of heavy traffic corridor were predominant in the process of designing. Circular form was the most appropriate as a response to the built environment as well as to the very intensive traffic which backside of the building faces.

The element of contrast – duality and synthesis is part of the concept. From the perspective of the busy traffic corridor the building appears as rounded, wrapped and neutral while from the entrance perspective large rectangular parts of the circle’s body were cut off and architecture is structured and open. By introducing the outer circular ramp there was an extra-quality brought back into experience of the space, thus the children are enabled to experience correlation between built and non-built space and to experience space throughout emphasized motion through the building.

The building was designed as a energy efficient one, therefore it is equipped with geothermal pump which provides for the whole building the full range of heating capacity. All openings and materials applied have features complying with highest standards for energy-efficient buildings. The building is oriented toward south-east in order to collect as much as possible sun energy and its curved back shape as well as its second facade made of corrugated tin lessen the flaws.

Gross area is 1,890 square meters on a plot of 3,600 square meters. There are 14 units for children, each one 55m2 in surface, a common central area, two-storey high, which occupies 150m2 in surface and subsidiary functions such as kitchen, offices for teachers and nurses, toilets, showers and wardroom for employees that occupie 200m2.

The main entrance is placed tangentially to the central hall area. The common hall area serves as multifunctional space and it is planed as junction space of the playrooms on the one side and offices and kitchen on the other side. At first floor, playrooms placed on the left and right side are connected by small curved bridge which is, at the same time, designed to articulate interior organization of the hall.

Neutral structure of the interior is designed as a simple background for the future setting with intention to let the children to “conquer” the environment by their own intervention.