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The site context of Sanliting Kindergarten presents an old and congested environment. Therefore, the design incorporates an element of surprise to activate the community. It features a castle-like architectural form intentionally exaggerated to contrast with the surrounding context. In addition to catering to the needs of children, the kindergarten recognizes the significance of family members as an essential user group. As such, it aims to function as a "linking space" that connects people and spaces, going beyond providing educational services alone and embracing all age groups. By celebrating the dynamic interaction among intergenerational users, this design aligns with China's shifting demographics, acknowledging the grandparents' active role in co-parenting.
The project is situated in an established neighborhood. The resettlement community on the east fosters a stable neighborhood relationship, whereas dispersed public facilities attract outsiders. Thus, encouraging diverse and spontaneous interactions to foster a safe yet dynamic environment becomes important. The only open interface of the site is a triangular public greenfield to the north leading to a senior activity center across the street, with adjoining buildings on the rest three edges. Within this context, the design establishes an interactive interface that promotes visual and social engagement, transforming the campus into more than a confined space and integrating a spectrum of neighborhood facilities to nurture community cohesion.
The green roof system with polyculture plants promotes biodiversity, enhances air quality, and reduces energy costs by improving insulation efficiency. The rainwater collected in the rooftop rain garden is used for irrigation, contributing to water conservation efforts. Additionally, the design incorporates an effective sun-shading system. The interior spaces are shielded by a wooden gridded façade that encourages the growth of climbing plants, creating a vertical natural system. Louvers and modular planters attached to the façade further contribute to maintaining an optimal level of interior comfort. The existing greenfield adjacent to the site is preserved and transformed into a community park, providing a vibrant and accessible green space while supporting urban natural habitats.
The campus boundary depicts an artistic veranda image featuring a sloping wall providing a protected realm. Its mesh texture and openings with high-back benches integrated into the walls establish visual and spatial connections between the inside and outside. This "semi-transparent" interface fosters spontaneous interactions and mutual observations, thereby enhancing neighborhood safety within a vibrant streetscape.
Landscape structures extend to form an inviting pathway that connects to the senior activity center across the street, effectively converting the greenfield into a pedestrianized park. A series of cantilevered "display windows" act as" picture frames," facilitating interaction between generations on either side of the street. The entrance features a raised "blanket" corner, inviting children to a journey of discovery. A modular wooden framework extends from the facade to the roof, embellished with climbing plants that reach toward the rooftop garden. The architectural volume is broken into smaller interlocking and stacked blocks within the wooden gridded envelope, creating a “3D treasure map.” With a 1.8m module, the building's scale harmonizes with the physical dimensions of the children. Most play areas adhere to this modular concept, resulting in "young exclusive corners" where adults must stoop while children can freely roam and play. Slides integrated within the wooden frame add fun to the vertical circulation.
With GOA's vital involvement, we appreciate the pioneering implementation of the Architect Responsibility System in Hangzhou City through the Sanliting Kindergarten project. This visionary initiative demonstrates a profound comprehension of community requirements and establishes a standard for upcoming early-educational endeavors, ensuring a sustainable and enduring positive influence on the public.
GOA is a highly influential architectural firm in China, renowned for its unwavering commitment to the highest design standards, along with multidisciplinary elite teams, sophisticated operational systems, cutting-edge research capabilities, and extensive collaborative networks. With a 25-year legacy of excellence, it has established an exceptional reputation in the industry.
GOA embraces the transformative power of design by providing comprehensive design solutions to address the evolving challenges of the modern era. Its projects seek to shape the built environment in a meaningful, sustainable, and responsive manner. They celebrate the diversity of human experiences, encompassing spatial, natural, social, and urban engagement while striving to impact future positivity.
