dika design sculpts an undulating mountain-like kindergarten in china

the project transcends conventional kindergarten design emerging as a free-growing organic structure.

CHINA edited by sofia lekka angelopoulou October 25, 2023 3 min

Dalezhiye Kindergarten by DIKA Architectural Design Center

Dalezhiye Kindergarten, a large-scale school development by DIKA Architectural Design Center, emerges from Leshan’s landscape in Sichuan Province, redefining the conventional design of kindergartens. Drawing from natural organic forms, the land, and the confluence of three rivers to the enduring Lingyun Maitreya Buddha, the design aims to infuse the space with local cultural identity. Capturing the site’s allure, the project’s name translates to ‘a place of forgotten beauty’. Four years after visiting the site, DIKA Architectural Design Center completes the construction of Dalezhiye Kindergarten shaping a dynamic space that transcends the ordinary. The exterior features undulating mountain-inspired forms, mirroring nature’s shapes and fostering a seamless connection with the surroundings. Imagination becomes a focal point, unlocking innovative solutions to architectural challenges.

dika design sculpts an undulating mountain-like kindergarten in china - 1 — all images by Arch-Exist

an intersection of nature, architecture, and cognitive learning

The interior design challenges traditional spatial thinking, embracing natural, artistic, and softer elements. The layout prioritizes a harmonious relationship with nature, allowing an abundance of natural light to fill every corner. DIKA design‘s intentional approach, led by Wang Junbao, aims to enhance children’s cognition, offering them profound early experiences of nature’s beauty. Dalezhiye Kindergarten stands as an experiential and imaginative space where architecture and nature converge in harmonious relationships. The project seeks to redefine educational architectural narratives and imaginaries, promising a holistic and inspiring environment for children’s growth.

dika design sculpts an undulating mountain-like kindergarten in china - 2 — the project aims to infuse the space with local cultural identity

dika design sculpts an undulating mountain-like kindergarten in china - 3 — the structure is a free-form volume that extends 62 m on its north-south axis and 148 m on its east-west axis

dika design sculpts an undulating mountain-like kindergarten in china - 4 — the design draws from natural organic forms, the land, and the confluence of three rivers

dika design sculpts an undulating mountain-like kindergarten in china - 5 — the design challenges traditional spatial thinking, embracing organic and softer curved elements

dika-design-dalezhiye-kindergarten-china-designboom-1800-2 — the exterior features undulating mountain-inspired forms, mirroring nature’s shapes

dika design sculpts an undulating mountain-like kindergarten in china - 6 — the changes in scale reflect the distinct elevation and slope characteristics found on site

dika-design-dalezhiye-kindergarten-china-designboom-1800-3 — Dalezhiye Kindergarten shapes a dynamic space that transcends the ordinary

the project seeks to redefine educational architectural narratives, forming an inspiring environment the layout prioritizes a harmonious relationship with nature Dalezhiye Kindgergarten’s shape and colors echo the red sandstone mountainscape of the Leshan region the structure's dramatic undulating slopes emerge from the site the volume seems to grow out of the environment claiming its territory

project info:

name: Dalezhiye Kindergarten

architect: DIKA Architectural Design Center

lead architect: Wang Junbao

design team: Tian Jiabin, Gao Xin, Lu Qingyin, Ou Jiayong, Fu Huiming, Tan Huimin, Chen Jian, Tu Xueliang, Huo Liangyue, Zhang Zhigang, Liu Zixuan, Wang Qi

architectural design: Sichuan Creative Bosch Architectural Design Co.

architectural team: Tong Succession, Cheng Mulin, Tong Ling, Wei Maolin, He Sheng, Wu Qiang, Zhou Bing, Li Biyun, He Xiaodong, Wang Min, Chen Jianwei

construction: Wang Peng, He Jie, Chen Guanyu, Shi Wenlan, Gao Cong, Tao Hexin, Li Qiang, Zhu Bin

effect deepening: Gao Xin, Tang Shengyan

landscape design: Sichuan Jiandong Construction Engineering Co.

interior design: Mingli Decoration Design & Engineering Co.

building area: 13.334 sqm

land area: 9077.67 sqm

location: Sichuan, Leshan, China

photography: Arch-Exist | @archexist

interior photography: Leon

video: Zhang Qi (ES Imaging)

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