A group of determined individuals with a flawless vision for the future,
Yearning for a master key to unravel the world’s mysteries,
From the vast cosmos to the smallest grain of dust, continuously innovating with fresh ideas,
Every detail carefully crafted,
A tangible utopia, a dream within reach.
What story lies behind this enchanting building shaped like a lollipop?
What is the secret to unlocking the joy within this narrative (BIM training)?
Listen closely.
Hand-drawn concept
Spanning from 2017 to 2019, this retrospective carries a sense of reverence. This uniquely shaped building, reminiscent of a lollipop, is situated in Yunnan. The Lollipop Ideal Garden stands apart with its distinctive history, redefining architecture as a medium for education and cultural expression. Half a year after completing the initial BIM design, construction began in a location entirely different from the original design setting.
Construction process
Hong Jianshan and Hong Xinjian, founders of Hongshi Enterprise, relocated from Fujian to Mengzi over 20 years ago. Through relentless dedication, they established significant projects including Mengzi Haihua Eaton Education Development Co., Ltd. The Haihua Eaton International Kindergarten sits on Shanghai Road in Mengzi City, within the heart of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Covering 16 acres, the project centers around a distinctive kindergarten that serves the entire city. Completed at the end of 2018, it is currently operational. The building thoughtfully incorporates local cultural elements, resulting in a highly recognizable landmark.
Construction drawings
The Deka Kindergarten Design Center earned recognition as one of the top 10 internationally influential design institutions at the 2018 IDPA China-Japan International Pioneer Design Competition for its “Lollipop Ideal Garden.” It also received the gold medal at the Beijing 798 Art and Design Week and the “Golden Bund” Best Space Design Award at the Shanghai International Interior Design Festival. Moreover, it was honored with the IDEA-TOPS Art and Design Award for Best Cultural Space Design at the Xi’an International Space Design Competition.
Night view of the building
Conceptual Analysis
What sets this kindergarten apart is that its entire design inspiration stems from the artistic world of children. The most striking feature is its exterior shape, inspired by a “key” motif and shaped like a lollipop, much like a child’s painting. This approach adds a natural, whimsical charm, softening the typical coldness of steel and concrete. Our team invested considerable effort in designing, revising, refining, and innovating, breathing life into the building with every stroke to create a familiar yet fresh environment.
Bird’s-eye view
Comparing the building’s form and appearance with surrounding structures
Creating contrast with the surrounding colors
A dialogue with the universe, a conversation with the future
Life requires many keys, and kindergarten is the first key to unlocking it.
The campus’s color scheme draws inspiration from the dawn sky’s gradient, progressing from deep to light hues. This gradient evokes mystery and infinite transformation. Colors influence children’s emotions and imagination, and the gentle gradation invites creative exploration. The design aims to create a poetic, artistic world, offering children an enchanting space to experience growth and the changing seasons.
Building exterior
Building facade
Facade details
Each campus area serves a unique function, shaped by natural surroundings. Early in the design process, the architect aimed to create a campus that harmonizes with nature. As the morning sun rises and illuminates the gradient-colored walls, water and air connect naturally with the children, accompanied by gentle breezes. Breathing fresh air and feeling this harmony offers children a remarkable experience during their daily strolls.
Early morning on campus
The outdoor activity area sparks playful contrasts — the blend of concrete and vibrant colors achieves harmonious unity, while the mix of old and new elements enriches spatial composition. This area serves as the primary daily playground for children. The designer intended for it to be open and flexible, catering to the needs of students of various ages. When sunlight filters through playful pathways, it creates captivating light and shadow patterns on the ground. These subtle details make the campus truly special, earning praise from both parents and children.
New and old contrast
Vertical perspective
Running under the sunshine
The building’s white concrete interior resembles a cloak of white feathers, evoking the sensation of entering Pandora’s Box and possessing divine powers.
The creative roof from a divine perspective
Interior space
The design team preserved the architectural styles of Fujian’s Earthen Buildings and the Hani mushroom houses from southern Fujian, blending traditional cultural elements with modern architecture. They infused local artistic characteristics into the design. Using simple architectural language, the designer conveyed the building’s essence without alteration, integrating contemporary techniques into the traditional form. This approach creates a texture rich in national identity, offering children a unique yet modern environment that suits their lifestyle.
Incorporating ethnic architectural elements
The atrium adds a sense of flow and openness to the building, featuring white as the primary interior color and vibrant hues on the floor to create a lively atmosphere. This space serves as the main social area for children, formed by a simple, circular path. Here, children can run freely in a bright, smooth environment that encourages spontaneous play.
Atrium
Circular corridor
Interior facade and entrance
Parallel passageway
Parents’ waiting area
Lego Room
Science Discovery Room
Ceramic Studio
Design draft
Architectural model
Video
Project Information:
Location: Yunnan
Project Name: Yunnan Lollipop Ideal Garden
Project Type: Kindergarten Design
Chief Designer: Wang Junbao
Design Firm: Xi’an Dika Kindergarten Design Center
Owner: Mengzi Hongshi Enterprise
Scope: Architectural, landscape, and interior design
Design Year: 2017
Building Area: 9,000 square meters
Lead Designers: Wang Junbao, Ou Jiyong, Tan Huimin, Fu Huiming, Chen Jian, Chang Xiaojian, Wang Yongkang, Zhao Chongting, Wei Kun
Construction Drawing Specialists: Zhang Qi, Li Qiang
Rendering Specialists: Chang Xiaojian, Gao Xin, Yang Ming, Ma Xin, Zhou Ke, Li Qiang, Cui Yingnan, Wang Dongping, Wu Lin
Photographer: Hou Bowen
Chief Directors: Wang Junbao, Zhao Chenglin, Zhang Xiaojun
Associate Director: Kang Jin
Lighting Technician: Zhang Bo
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up