SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjin

‘LOOP kindergarten’ by SAKO architects, tianjin, chinaimage © misae hiromatsuall images courtesy of SAKO architects

the ‘LOOP’ kindergarten in tianjin by tokyo and beijing-based practice SAKO architects creates a clear contrast between the industrious apartment-block surroundings and the colorful colosseum of education. not a single sharp corner exists – from the footprint to the window sills, beveled edges make for a kid-friendly environment brought to life with 18 vivid tones that span the spectrum of the color wheel and carry through to the structure.

view from the running trackimage © misae hiromatsu

the gradually transforming colors also hold a logistical purpose – they are used by the children to identify different areas in the structure so they do not get lost or confused in a circular building. classrooms are organized over three levels, the top two of which contain a series of windows that look into the central courtyard space. the top storey allows access to the rooftop garden where smaller structures serve as open-air playgrounds.

entrance to courtyardimage © misae hiromatsu

the bottom level has outward facing windows and a covered series of atria in a large arena-like multifunctional assembly area. various platforms tinged to match the corresponding columns step out of or into the ground plane creating spheres of activity for smaller groups.

skylights that protrude into the exterior courtyard are carried through into the underground square bringing in plenty of natural daylight. each student has a right to views, fresh air, and access to open spaces, a factor which this project takes to heart so that adults and kids alike can enjoy their learning environments.

central courtyardimage © misae hiromatsu

view towards the central courtyardimage © misae hiromatsu

hallwayimage © misae hiromatsu

stairs to the central underground courtyardimage © misae hiromatsu

entrance to central hallimage © misae hiromatsu

central hall below the exterior courtyard with skylightsimage © misae hiromatsu

elevated and sunken stepped platforms of various colors that refer to the hues of the proximal columnsimage © misae hiromatsu

classroomimage © misae hiromatsu

classroomimage © misae hiromatsu

rooftop gardenimage © misae hiromatsu

bird’s eye viewimage © misae hiromatsu

image © misae hiromatsu

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project info:

project name: loop in tianjinproject location: tianjin, chinaproject type: kindergarten  architect/s: keiichiro sako, yoko fujii, jing, junya kazuno/ sako architectslighting design: masahide kakudate lighting architect & associates,inc.client: sino-ocean land holdings limitedsize: 3 storiesgross floor area: 4,300 sqm design period: 2009/06-2011/03construction period: 2011/04-2012/07photography credit: ruijing photo