The project site is situated south of Jianghan Road, north of the Beitang River, and east of Class 30 Primary School in Binjiang District, Hangzhou City. The western side of the site is allocated for urban public facilities. This kindergarten project includes 15 classrooms, covering a total construction area of approximately 7,275 square meters.
To maximize outdoor activity areas, this project adopts a unique design approach. Instead of concentrating outdoor spaces in one location, the design disperses functional units and outdoor activity zones, creating a connected, vibrant, and engaging environment for children.
Within the limited land area, outdoor activity spaces are linked by circular pathways, forming an open, boundary-free environment that allows the activity areas to extend infinitely.
Overall Layout
The kindergarten is developed in conjunction with East Elementary School. To the south lies the Beitang River landscape belt. A landscape corridor extends through the site, dividing the kindergarten and elementary school grounds. This design allows the two institutions to remain relatively independent while fostering interaction and growth together.
The design arranges activity rooms in a modular, staggered pattern, each facing different directions. This layout ensures varied lighting and shadow patterns at different times of day, complementing distinct views outside each classroom window, providing unique environmental experiences for every group of children.
The various units are connected through branching corridors. These widened corridor spaces provide children with diverse spatial forms that stimulate playful cognition, encouraging them to explore, play, and wander freely.
The outdoor spaces are linked by a three-dimensional circular pathway, connecting various activity zones with distinct spatial features. This forms a dynamic activity route designed especially for children.
Three-Dimensional Circular Activity Path
This circular route integrates a garden path on the first floor, a rooftop platform on the second floor, as well as outdoor stairs and ramps, merging various play areas into a continuous, unrestricted outdoor environment.
Unlike conventional rectangular spaces, the circular flow and curved boundaries soften spatial edges, blurring the limits of the area. This design maximizes the sense of space and offers children a unique and enjoyable spatial experience.
The second-floor activity areas are connected via ramps and stairs along the circular path. The rooftop platform offers varied viewpoints, allowing children to engage in different perceptual experiences. From this platform, children can observe the primary school, fostering visual interaction and enabling them to imitate games played by older kids, supporting learning and growth.
This joyful and imaginative circular path is full of surprises — whether it’s blooming flowers and leaves, passing insects and birds, or changing light and shadows, children create their own games along this route.
Architectural Details
The kindergarten features a light gray overall color scheme. The staggered exterior facade incorporates perforated aluminum panels that conceal ventilation fans and air conditioning units, maintaining a clean facade appearance. Vibrant orange aluminum panels on the sides inject energy into the building’s look. The interplay of glass and perforated panels offers children a distinctive visual experience of light and shadow.
The building integrates seamlessly with the surrounding walls, enclosing the activity area within. Sunlight filters through parameterized leaf patterns, blending with plant shadows to create a natural and harmonious architectural boundary.
Inside, soft colors and materials create a warm and natural atmosphere. Ample blank wall space in the hallways invites children to add their own colors through free graffiti, allowing the building to grow alongside its young inhabitants.
Conclusion
This design explores the concept of dispersed outdoor activity areas, inviting children to freely run and play along endless, diverse paths. The yards, platforms, and shaded areas are filled with moments of exploration, discovery, laughter, and memorable scenes that become part of the children’s growth journey.
Project Drawings
△ General layout plan
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Third floor plan
△ Elevation drawing
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Jianghui Branch of Dongfang County Kindergarten, Binjiang District, Hangzhou City
Project Type: Educational Architecture
Location: Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
Design Firm: Zhejiang University Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd
Lead Architects: Fan Xuzhuang, Xu Sun
Architectural Team: Fan Xuzhuang, Zhu Rui, Xu Sun, Wang Hao, Liu Jia, Yu Zhaobing
Structural Team: Shen Jin, Wang Jun, Li Li, Wang Chengzhi
Water Supply & Drainage Team: Chen Ji, Zhao Jieqin, Lin Lujia
HVAC Team: Qiu Yu, Guo Yinan
Electrical Team: Zheng Guoxing, Yang Kai, Ding Li, Fan Hongjian
Intelligent Systems Team: Li Xiangqun, Ye Agile, Yuan Xiaonan
Curtain Wall Team: Bai Qi’an, Yang Dongyan
Decoration Team: Fang Yin, Kong Xiang
Landscape Team: Yao Haojun, Lu Qunying, Ge Minjie, Yin Zhihong
Design Start Date: December 22, 2017
Project Completion Date: August 3, 2022
Project Address: Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
Site Area: 8,210 square meters
Building Area: 7,275 square meters
Owner: Education Bureau of Binjiang District, Hangzhou City
Construction Agent: Hangzhou Greentown Binfeng Construction Management Co., Ltd
Construction Contractor: Zhejiang Zhonghao Construction Group Co., Ltd
Materials: Perforated aluminum panels (Guangzhou Kuoxin), plain concrete coating (SKK), aluminum alloy doors and windows (Foshan Fenglv)
Photographer: Li Yi
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