This is an interior design project of transforming a three-storey existing building to ibg school, a kindergarten in Beijing, China.
The acronym in IBG stands for Inspiring, Bicultural and Green. While many emphasize
on ease of maintenance and ease of use amongst adults as their requirement of
design, but we prioritized children’s use and learning as our criteria. Supporting the
educational philosophy of the school, the structure was filled with nature so as to
educate the children amidst the enjoyable green which is a rare sight in this urban
neighbourhood. The roof was transformed to a ‘Garden of Movement’, that is a simple
terrace garden to boost movement and exercise. The courtyard is a ‘Garden of
Learning’, which comprises of the variety of native and foreign plant species as well as
insects and birds which also makes it easier amongst children to understand the
change of season.
The classrooms are kept functional and simple where you may feel natural elements
such as the smell of the plant, wind, sound of water etc. so as to lay main emphasis on
the rich exterior. A special sense of the space has been created using different material
finishes and scales in different type of rooms. The walls, shelves and the ceiling of the
library uses wood hence making the ambience warmer and more nonchalant. The art
room explores different material and texture of concrete and wood and also
randomises the shelf sizes making the mind to wander and explore creativity. The STEAM classrooms are spacious and done using white bricks making it adequate for concentration.
It’s a natural environment in the middle of the concrete jungle of Beijing, supporting children to discover themselves through play, observe, learn and grow.