Kofa Kindergarten

Shenzhen
Exterior view
Fotografia © arch-exist
The central atrium
Fotografia © arch-exist
Exterior view
© arch-exist
Library staircase
Fotografia © arch-exist
Street facade after renovation
Fotografia © arch-exist
The central atrium
Fotografia © arch-exist
The grand staircase = the library
Fotografia © Fiona Bao
Interior detail and material palette
© Fiona Bao
The library of shadow
Fotografia © arch-exist
Interior details
© arch-exist
Children reading under a forest of shadows
Fotografia © arch-exist
An immersive auditorium
Fotografia © arch-exist
Wash room for the children
Fotografia © arch-exist
Interior details
© arch-exist
Wash room for the children
Fotografia © arch-exist
Outdoor sand pool
Fotografia © arch-exist
Interior details
Fotografia © arch-exist
Outdoor sand pool
Fotografia © arch-exist
Interplay of shadows and light within every classroom
Fotografia © Fiona Bao
Entrance animated facade
Fotografia © arch-exist
Fotografia © Groundwork
Fotografia © Groundwork
Fotografia © Groundwork
Fotografia © Groundwork
Fotografia © Groundwork
Fotografia © Groundwork
Fotografia © Groundwork
Fotografia © Groundwork
Axon
Dibuix © Groundwork
Elevation
Dibuix © Groundwork
Fotografia © Groundwork
Section
Dibuix © Groundwork
1F plan
Dibuix © Groundwork
2F plan
Dibuix © Groundwork
3F plan
Dibuix © Groundwork
4F plan
Dibuix © Groundwork
Concept
Visualització © Groundwork
Architects
Groundwork
Localització
No. 1, Zhuxiang 2nd Road, Futian District, Shenzhen
Any
2020
Contractor
Shenzhen Pangu Space Design Engineering Co., Ltd.

KOFA KINDERGARTEN is a school renovation project located in 1st Zhuxiang Road Futian District, Shenzhen, which covers an area of more than 3600 square meters. Its predecessor is Xiangshan Kindergarten which was built in the 1990s. The functional area in Kofa Kindergarten has 12 standard classrooms, plus a fitness room, a Gourmand workshop, a multi-functional reading hall, an immersive science and technology museum, a circular runway, a unique sand pool, and a LEGO workshop etc.

As the starting point of children’s education, kindergarten is an important foundation to groom children’s aesthetics and creativity during their learning and growing process. The main purpose of our design is therefore focused on creating a safe and open space which enables our students to explore, seek and make full use of the architecture environment to inspire their creativity and imagination.

Interplay of Geometries
This is a renovation project. The old school structure was originally made up with different geometric elements, we first enhanced the existing elements based on the original space. The second step is to give each of these elements different functionalities and connect them with stairs. We highlighted the three most basic geometries (triangle, square and circle) in different spaces and with different positions, and symbolized them for establishing the basic element for kindergarten. Since kindergarten is the first social arena for children, we therefore think it is best to apply simple geometry to inspire their concept of space.

A Forest of light and shadows
We transformed the courtyard and outdoor space into a forest full of invisible and abstract light and shadow, hoping our children could be inspired and feel the mysteries of nature while wandering in this space, and could explore the relationship of nature and life through sunshine, moonlight and starry night.

Celebrating negative spaces
We greatly appreciate the proprietors sharing and approval of our architectural philosophy in this project. As most kindergartens are full of colors, we do the opposite, with white color and simple lines to fill the space. This simplicity, on one hand, can create thousands of dynamic flowing scenes with the light and shadow floating around the architecture. Children and teachers, on the other hand, will project their infinite creativity without limitation.
Furniture is all made with natural materials, with white color and wood grain. Growing up with natural materials has a positive impact for children’s future psychological and physiological development. Besides, light and shadow can be illustrated on the white surface.

Children are easily attracted to many interesting things around them. Childlike concepts therefore become the core principle of our architectural design. Through the architecture shape, materials, and lighting design, the feeling of children's innocence and simplicity can be thoroughly reflected. As our key design elements, light and shadow connect different functional areas into a complete harmony. The center of the kindergarten is an open reading hall, the top is a unique skylight composed of a geometric aluminium plate, light and shadow wandering around with the change of time. It becomes a floating artwork with children within, giving this space an unlimited vitality.

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