Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects

Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects

[caption id="attachment_947" align="aligncenter" width="1499"] © Wu Qingshan[/caption]

From the architect. dot Architects has designed a new early learning centre for Chinese developer Vanke. The project locates in Qingdao, China. The early learning centre is on the third floor of a former sales gallery.

[caption id="attachment_948" align="aligncenter" width="1499"] © Wu Qingshan[/caption]

Although it is still a hypothesis, that social interaction and unstructured play are vital for children’s development.  An open space is required for such activities to happen. A stage is defined as the reading zone instead of a library room. It can be used for free play during classes or as a theatre stage for special events.

We designed a scaled down children friendly house on top of the stage. The house is enclosed of wooden boxes which can be used to display books, plants or other exhibits. Children can sit and read anywhere, beside the table or on the stairs.

[caption id="attachment_949" align="aligncenter" width="1499"] © Wu Qingshan[/caption]

In order to create continuity in the space and to prevent a potential collision, the plan layout is defined with smooth curves. Two oval shaped skylights are introduced into the space to bring in the natural light, as the south facing windows are occupied by classrooms.

[caption id="attachment_950" align="aligncenter" width="1436"] Plan[/caption]

Classrooms are categorized under different climate regions. Each region is represented with a theme colour and its signature animals. It is a more efficient way for preschoolers to identify the classrooms than usual numbering system.

[caption id="attachment_951" align="aligncenter" width="1499"] © Wu Qingshan[/caption]

The interior of the classrooms use the same colour with a lighter shade. The furniture also has some coloured panels to make it more vivid.

As the budget for facade renovation is limited, the original curtain wall is remained with some panels replaced by the coloured ones. The entrance to the learning centre is defined by an illuminated logo.

In designing spaces for children, we prefer abstract geometry and simple visual language. We believe that children’s imaginations are more complex than any designed forms. It is better to design less to create a more imaginative space.

[caption id="attachment_952" align="aligncenter" width="1499"] © Wu Qingshan[/caption]

 

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  Architects

  
  
  dot Architects


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  Location

  
  
  Qingdao, Shandong, China


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  Lead Architect

  
  
  Duo Ning


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  Design Team

  
  
  Hu Xingzhu, Sun Qingfeng, Deng Tingfang, Liao Zhaocong Client: Vanke


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  Client

  
  
  Vanke


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  Area

  
  
  600.0 m2


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  Project Year

  
  
  2017


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  Photographs

  
  
  Wu Qingshan


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  Manufacturers

  
  
  Armstrong Flooring, Dulux

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