This daycare center, located in Nagasaki, Japan, addresses a growing concern: excessive screen time negatively impacting children’s language development. In contrast, reading aloud and engaging with adults can help ease behavioral issues and reduce parental stress.
Our concept revolves around creating a “book forest under the eaves,” a natural environment that encourages children to develop reading and recitation skills while fostering diverse ways of thinking.
Throughout the daycare, several cozy book corners are scattered beneath the warm wooden roof, creating the feel of a “book forest.” For example, a bookshelf near the kitchen features books about food and nutrition education. There is also a small house filled with books, and beside the fish tank, a “biological bookshelf” offers titles related to various living organisms.
Under the skylight, the “Earth bookshelf” offers books about the sky and weather. Parents visiting the daycare can also access a bookshelf near the entrance, stocked with books about parenting and child development.
For children who are unwell, there is a “recovery bookshelf,” as well as themed bookshelves curated by teachers for different classrooms. Simply browsing these varied collections spread throughout the center encourages learning and curiosity.
In addition, the locally inspired design features long eaves that protect the interior from summer sun while allowing natural warmth during winter without heavy reliance on air conditioning, promoting sustainability.
The color palette for both indoor and outdoor spaces reflects the surrounding rural landscape, creating a natural, minimal aesthetic that helps children feel connected to their local environment.
Design Drawings
△ Floor Plan
△ Elevation
△ Section
Project Information
Project Type: Kindergarten and Educational Building Interior Design
Location: Nagasaki, Japan
Architectural Design: Hibino Design, Youji no Shiro
Lead Architects: HIBINOSEKEI, Youji no Shiro
Area: 558 m²
Year Completed: 2019
Photography by Studio Bauhaus
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