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Located in Beijing, China, and designed by MAD Architects, Courtyard Kindergarten blends traditional and contemporary architecture to create an inspiring space for children to play and learn. Featuring an undulating roof structure that flows around old buildings and trees, the project is full of unexpected details and surprising nooks that provide its inhabitants with a variety of built landscapes to explore.
Photo by Arch Exist Photography
From the architects: Located on the site of a traditional siheyuan courtyard dating back to 1725, the scheme inserts a new building that protects the existing buildings that are restored for use. The design features a dynamic floating roof that surrounds the historic courtyard. Preserving the cultural heritage of the site, it forms a multi-layered urban narrative, where old and new co-exist.
Photo by Arch Exist Photography
Unfolding onto the site with a low and gentle posture, the roof transforms the space between the various buildings into a colorful playground that functions as the main place for children to engage in outdoor sports and activities – place full of magic symbolizing freedom and endless imagination. On the southwest side of the roof, a subtly undulating surface of small ‘hills’ creates a high and low terrain, forming a playful landscape.
Photos by Iwan Baan
The kindergarten’s interior has been envisioned as an open-concept layout that serves as a teaching space, library, small theater, and gymnasium – a free and inclusive atmosphere, that functions as the daily education space for 400 children, ages 2-5. The new learning space opens towards the historic courtyard buildings giving the children alternating views between old and new; deepening their understanding of time and dimension.
Photo by Arch Exist Photography
The “Courtyard Kindergarten” reveals several architectural elements – a modern building from the 90s, and a traditional courtyard from 400 years ago – that initially seem to be conflicting. By retaining the authenticity of the original buildings, we allow them to co-exist with one another, creating a new kind of interaction between them.
Photo by Arch Exist Photography
The openness and richness of the design allows children to have an objective and true comprehension of the environment that surrounds them. It offers them an understanding of history and place, and the preservation of nature, bringing an inclusiveness between the old and new design, adding value to the community.
Should your office be considered among the world’s best architecture firms? Find out more about Architizer’s 10th Annual A+Awards program, opening this fall: Sign up to receive key program updates and deadline reminders.
Explore more stunning project by MAD Architects here.