Low Density Kindergarten in a Dense City

Designed by VMPDE, the IBOBI SUPER SCHOOL is located in Dachong, the tech hub of Shenzhen. Shenzhen is one of the core engines of regional development in the Greater Bay Area, and Dachong is synonymous to prosperity and potential. Here is the gathering place for hi-tech talents and companies, densely populated, dense building and high plot ratio, busy families living here demand a great kindergarten with integrated accessibility.

The project is located on the terrace, second floor of a mall, which is one of the few places in this area with large outdoor space.

The outdoor terrace and the indoor space are well connected to each other, forming an enclosed site.

Site Planning Concept — From Flexible Function to Flexible Thinking

VMDPE wants to make good use of the big outdoor space which account for large proportion of the site, the design should address to an important question: what kind of outdoor teaching spaces do children need?

Connecting with nature? Running for fun? Or exciting playground equipment?

We want to rethink the connection between the outdoor space and children, by trying to explore new possibilities among "playground", "sports ground", "park", and "classroom".

First, we thought about possible scenarios for outdoor activities: sports, arts and crafts classes, outdoor performances, activities for School Open House Day and Community Open Day, Starry Night Party, Children's Food Festival, and Children's Art Festival. These activities can be simplified into three categories: outdoor sports, outdoor classes, and outdoor festivals. However, we never want to simply divide the outdoor space into three zones — otherwise there won't be enough room for each zone to perform its functions. Therefore, we decide to integrate them in a creative manner.

When children want to have an exciting sports competition, the entire place can be where they run and play, which we fully took into account different types of sports and safety, based on the function of different outdoor areas.

Or when the school decides to organize an event, the "big tree platform" becomes a stage, and the "gardening area" can be used as a path to the stage.

In addition to functional flexibility, we also want to provide a kind of flexibility in thinking. In contrast to specific game in the playground, the teaching area is designed to allow children to rely on their own imagination to use it in a playful way.

For example, the gardening area is also a sliding area. The robot in the science area is both a cute mascot and a nest for birds.

Some children's seating areas can be used to play as “single-plank bridges” or“boating game”. All arrangements feature both specific functions and flexibility.

We want children to be in a space that encourage curiosity and always ready to explore.

Our design is based on Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives by Benjamin Bloom. We are trying to practice the psychomotor theory proposed by Benjamin design philosophy in the design of children's space. The playground equipment was designed in professional and rigorous way to allow functions and experiences to be visually symbolized, so the children can follow their imaginations in explorations, and gain their understanding of the environment.

Space with Enriched Experience

While staying consistent with the main design philosophy, our space design also aims to offer more enriched experience for children.

For example, we arranged a “kinder art gallery” in a corner to present the highlights on campus. This makes children feel respected, and strengthens the connection between families and the kindergarten.

The kitchen is equipped with a transparent window for children to look inside, here is where children could observe food they eat every day.

Next to the kitchen is a “Children's Kitchen”, where children can enjoy the fun of making food by themselves and the open dining area for them to enjoy the food they make.

Boundaries between indoor classroom and outdoor spaces are blurred, by porches that allow people to enter and exit adjoining spaces freely under different weather conditions. The corridor is elevated to the same level as the classroom, forming a platform for easy accessibility.

We tried to have more plants in outdoor space planning. Since the project is located on a terrace of a second floor, due to building constraints, plants cannot be widely grown as if on the land, therefore, we make the best possible to arrange flowerbeds styling in different areas to improve greening.

We wish to create a country life with greenery that fosters great childhood memories. After an extensive selection, we had silver grass as the main greenery species.

Silver grass swaying in the light breeze, joy and laughter fill the air while children enjoying themselves. These are exactly the childhood memories we hope to bring to the children living in this city.

Project Information

Project Name: IBOBI SUPER SCHOOL
Project Location: 2F, KINNO Mall, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
Indoor Area: 1,426m²
Outdoor Area: 1,200m²
Project Status: Completed
Design Date: Feb, 2021 – Apr, 2021
Construction Date: May, 2021 – Aug, 2021

Design Firm: VMDPE design
Design Director: Vinci CHAN
Design Team: Vinci CHAN, Dio ZHANG , Nancy LU, Zoro ZHENG
Project Type: Facade renovation, interior design, outdoor design, installation and props design, lighting design

Building Material & Manufacturer Brand
Lighting: PHILLIPS
Flooring: TAJIMA
Fresh air ventilation system: Panasonic
Disinfection lamp: PHILLIPS

Photography & Videography: ZC STUDIO
Author: Vinci CHAN