Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects

Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects - Bathroom, Sink, BedroomVanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects - Shelving, ChairVanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects - Table, Chair, Shelving, WindowsVanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects - Image 5 of 16Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects - More Images+ 11

  • Architects: dot Architects
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  600
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2017
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Qingshan Wu
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Armstrong Flooring, Dulux
Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects - Shelving
© Qingshan Wu

Text description provided by the architects. dot Architects has designed a new early learning centre for Chinese developer Vanke. The project locates in Qingdao, China. The early learning centre is on the third floor of a former sales gallery.

Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects - Windows, Chair
© Qingshan Wu

As the main users of the educational place will be preschool children, we are looking for something between a classroom and a playroom. Taking their active lifestyles and level of cognition into consideration, the design strategy focuses on creating an open and colourful space. 

Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects - Image 5 of 16
© Qingshan Wu

Although it is still a hypothesis, that social interaction and unstructured play are vital for children’s development.  An open space is required for such activities to happen. A stage is defined as the reading zone instead of a library room. It can be used for free play during classes or as a theatre stage for special events.

We designed a scaled down children friendly house on top of the stage. The house is enclosed of wooden boxes which can be used to display books, plants or other exhibits. Children can sit and read anywhere, beside the table or on the stairs.

Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects - Shelving, Table, Glass
© Qingshan Wu

In order to create continuity in the space and to prevent a potential collision, the plan layout is defined with smooth curves. Two oval shaped skylights are introduced into the space to bring in the natural light, as the south facing windows are occupied by classrooms.

Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects - Image 16 of 16
Plan

Classrooms are categorized under different climate regions. Each region is represented with a theme colour and its signature animals. It is a more efficient way for preschoolers to identify the classrooms than usual numbering system.

Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects - Image 6 of 16
© Qingshan Wu

The interior of the classrooms use the same colour with a lighter shade. The furniture also has some coloured panels to make it more vivid.

Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects - Table, Chair, Shelving, Windows
© Qingshan Wu

As the budget for facade renovation is limited, the original curtain wall is remained with some panels replaced by the coloured ones. The entrance to the learning centre is defined by an illuminated logo.

In designing spaces for children, we prefer abstract geometry and simple visual language. We believe that children’s imaginations are more complex than any designed forms. It is better to design less to create a more imaginative space.

Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects - Shelving
© Qingshan Wu

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Project location

Address:Qingdao, Shandong, China

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects" 04 Aug 2017. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/876880/vanke-early-learning-center-dot-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© Qingshan Wu

青岛万科成长中心 / 度态建筑

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