Sanliting Kindergarten, a collaborative endeavor between GOA (Group of Architects) and Jiangnan Management, is more than just a traditional educational institution. Nestled within the heart of Hangzhou’s newly developed eastern region, this architectural gem serves as a beacon of community connection and intergenerational integration.
Situated in an established neighborhood, Sanliting Kindergarten faces a unique challenge – it’s surrounded on three sides by neighboring buildings, with a triangular greenfield to the north being its only open interface. In a departure from conventional fencing, the project’s boundary creatively intertwines with the local community through an abstract veranda-inspired wall. This slightly inclined wall provides a safe haven for children, while its mesh texture encourages a “see and be seen” experience.
Numerous openings in the wall, equipped with high-back seats, foster shared spaces that visually and spatially link the campus to the street and the greenfield. This “semi-transparent” interface encourages spontaneous interactions, enhancing neighborhood safety while contributing to a lively streetscape.
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The kindergarten’s entrance, resembling a “blanket” beckons children to explore and uncover the magic within. The entire structure is enveloped by a modular wooden framework, transforming it into both a “building” and an “installation”. This modular framework extends from the facade to the rooftop, adorned with climbing plants, culminating in a roof garden. The use of a 1.8-meter module helps strike a balance between the building’s scale and the size of the children it caters to, creating “young exclusive territories” with corners designed for children to navigate freely, occasionally requiring adults to stoop.
Hidden behind these wooden structures, the architectural volume comprises smaller units stacked and interlocked like toy blocks, forming a 3D treasure map of endless exploration opportunities. The inclusion of slides within the wooden frame adds a playful element to the vertical circulation. The generous use of atriums and windows floods the interior with natural light and provides panoramic views, creating an environment that is both visually stimulating for teachers and nurturing for the children. This design is centered around celebrating childhood, offering a space where children can thrive, grow, and explore the world’s wonders.
Beyond the kindergarten’s walls, the project extends its reach into the community by creating a network of neighborhood facilities. A series of landscape structures emerges from the kindergarten’s boundary, leading to a grassy area that connects the kindergarten with a senior activity center across the street. This transformation turns the entire greenfield into a pedestrianized public park, fostering community cohesion.
Moreover, the project includes small cantilevered “display windows” protruding from the inclined wall, designed as “picture frames” for creative and playful interactions between different generations. This innovative approach addresses the demographic shift in China, where the aging population and increased involvement of grandparents in childcare demand a space that celebrates the dynamics of all age groups.
Sanliting Kindergarten goes beyond its role as an educational institution. It’s a testament to the power of design in fostering community bonds, nurturing intergenerational relationships, and creating a vibrant, dynamic environment where both young and old can thrive.
