dika design shapes playful interstellar kindergarten crowned by astronaut sculpture

Dika Design redefines early learning through irregular forms

Fuzhou ESUO Future Kindergarten by Dika Architectural Design Center in Fuzhou, China, reimagines early childhood education through a playful, irregularly shaped building crowned with a rooftop astronaut sculpture. The structure transforms traditional kindergarten layouts into a three-dimensional exploration system that spans from ground level to corridors and rooftops. Corridors function as all-weather adventure paths, while each floor becomes

an interactive playground. The astronaut sculpture atop the building serves as a visual and conceptual anchor, inviting children to imagine themselves as cosmic explorers while reinforcing the theme of ‘exploring the universe.’ 

all images by Fuzhou MOMENT VISION Photography Studio and Gao Xin

Fuzhou ESUO Future Kindergarten serves as a ‘Third Teacher’

Rejecting conventional layouts where toys and activities are secondary, the team at Dika Architectural Design Center emphasizes child-friendliness: respecting natural curiosity without indulgence, encouraging imagination without flamboyance, and ensuring safety without restriction. Circulation routes, interactive zones, and flexible spaces allow children to explore intuitively, developing a sense of self and engagement with the unknown. The architecture itself functions as a ‘third teacher,’ guiding movement, perception, and imaginative play.

The building’s irregular geometry presented construction challenges. Arched outdoor spaces and curved ramps required precise casting, careful surface polishing, and close collaboration between design and construction teams. Fuzhou’s rainy climate added further complexity, yet the team successfully maintained playful forms while meeting strict safety standards. Key features include corridors designed as narrative ‘interstellar plank roads,’ fluid spatial arrangements that integrate classrooms with activity zones, and the rooftop astronaut sculpture that transforms every upward glance into a moment of imaginative engagement.

the playful shaped building is crowned with a rooftop astronaut sculpture

the structure transforms traditional kindergarten layouts into a three-dimensional exploration system

each floor becomes an interactive playground

circulation routes, interactive zones, and flexible spaces allow children to explore intuitively

stairs, ramps, platforms and slides complete the playful project

the architecture itself functions as a ‘third teacher’

colorful zones enhance the vibrant character of the project

the building’s irregular geometry presented construction challenges

the rooftop astronaut sculpture that transforms every upward glance into a moment of imaginative engagement

project info:

name: Fuzhou ESUO Future Kindergarten

architects: Dika Architectural Design Center

chief architect: Wang Junbao Chief
designers: Tan Huimin, Tian Jiabin, Ou Jiyong, Fu Huiming, Chen Jian

participating designers: Yang Ming, Lu Qingyin, Kuang Wensheng, Gao Xin, Wang Bingxi, Wan Lisha, Ma Lu, Ji Xiaorui, Tang Shengyan, Wang Mudan, Yang Xinrong, Cui Yingnan, Huo Liangyue, Liu Xiaoyu

location: Fuzhou, Fujian

area: 9,646 sqm

brand design: Jianshan studio, Hou Geng

construction drawing deepening: Wang Peng, Li Jing, Chen Guanyu, Tao Hexin, Shi Wenlan, Gao Juan Structural design: Fujian Xumuli Construction Engineering Co., Ltd.

photography team: Fuzhou MOMENT VISION Photography Studio, Gao Xin

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom