estudio amatam refurbishes kalorias childrens space into playful retreat

estudio amatam refurbishes kalorias childrens space into playful retreat
all images courtesy of estudio amatam

transforming an existing building, the ‘kalorias childrens space’ by lisbon-based firm estudio amatam has been designed as a wonderland that seeks to activate the imagination. located in the kalorias health club complex in lisbon, the original structure was defined by two large rooms and an expansive hall space, which was previously used to house corporate events. the new program defined a multipurpose layout – a reading room was inserted dedicated to academic activities, watching films, reading books and educational use of computer equipment, as well as a visual arts area and also a more playful zone for fun and physical games.

based on these requirements the interior was adapted, while still retaining most of the existing structures. a new logic of elements was adopted to help transport the students into a dreamlike reality through the playful application of unusual forms, colors, textures, graphics.

view of the cleaning for painting activities, with dynamic colorful tiles

each room tells a different story, with overlapping features to help create a series of surprises as one turns the corner. the corridor becomes a unifying feature, connecting to these separate spaces through swooping arched forms – it also serves as a window display for the off shooting rooms/functions.

the entrance is through a magical blue gate that connects to the different rooms

the reading room was created a small amphitheater and has a large blackboard that children can draw and write on, which also functions as a screen, for movies and cartoons. the visual arts zone consists of curves and organic shapes with vibrant colors used throughout to help stimulate imagination.

the space for sports activities is covered in artificial grass

view of the sports areas with geometric ceiling

the corridor consists of arches that reveal the rooms on the other side

the multi-purpose room dedicated for group activities, such as sports classes, birthday parties or theater plays

the lighting design combined with the colored stripes creates an energizing environment

a tetris mountain can be dismantled for personalized activities

the reading and study room is the most neutral place, where the main colors are black and white

book shelves in the wall were displaced in a random way creating a sculpture model

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