‘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.

SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjinview 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.

SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjinentrance 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.

SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjincentral courtyardimage © misae hiromatsu

SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjinview towards the central courtyardimage © misae hiromatsu

SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjinhallwayimage © misae hiromatsu

SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjinstairs to the central underground courtyardimage © misae hiromatsu

SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjinentrance to central hallimage © misae hiromatsu

SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjincentral hall below the exterior courtyard with skylightsimage © misae hiromatsu

SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjinelevated and sunken stepped platforms of various colors that refer to the hues of the proximal columnsimage © misae hiromatsu

SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjinclassroomimage © misae hiromatsu

SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjinclassroomimage © misae hiromatsu

SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjinrooftop gardenimage © misae hiromatsu

SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjinbird’s eye viewimage © misae hiromatsu

SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjinimage © misae hiromatsu

 

 

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SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjin
 
SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjin
 
SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjin
 
SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjin
 

 

 

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