Moss flowers may be as small as grains of rice, yet they bloom with the grandeur of peonies. Located in Shenzhen Bay, the Nanshan District Education Kindergarten addresses the local shortage of school spaces by providing facilities for 21 classes, accommodating 630 children. With a plot ratio of 1.6—double the usual 0.8—this kindergarten stands as a large-scale facility within a high-density tropical urban environment.
Recognizing the environment as the “third teacher” in a child’s development, the design prioritizes maximizing outdoor activity spaces despite the site’s constraints. To help children connect with both nature and the urban surroundings, the concept of “Tai Yuan Bonsai” was introduced. The campus architecture gently slopes from low buildings in the south to taller structures in the north, easing spatial pressure on the southern block and creating a distinctive visual landmark along the northern secondary road. The horizontal layering on the western facade emphasizes the campus’s elongated site characteristics.
Situated as a “blank canvas” within an established neighborhood, the campus seamlessly integrates with the urban fabric. The modest setback from the street on the west side forms a transport plaza for children’s drop-off and pick-up, while also enhancing the public realm along the street.
The “Tai Yuan” concept connects the ground level to the rooftops of each floor through colorful staircases, creating abundant outdoor activity spaces and encouraging interaction among children of different ages. The gardens on every floor provide scenic views from the classrooms. During outdoor play, children can easily access diverse themed gardens and enjoy panoramic views of the urban public spaces, enriching their experience.
Beneath the Tai Yuan garden lies a multi-themed children’s settlement. Each group centers around a courtyard, linking various classroom units through corridors, plazas, steps, and niches—acting like “pores” within a micro-city campus. This layout accommodates activities ranging from group gatherings to individual play, turning the circulation spaces into versatile venues for informal education throughout the campus.
To the north of the site lies a lush city green belt. In the northwest corner, the Flame Tree Exploration Garden bursts with vibrant blossoms. An elevated plaza on the north side offers a scenic habitat, with a two-story building serving as a spatial hub for public classrooms and the largest square on campus. This area supports semi-outdoor activities, especially useful during hot or rainy seasons. A submarine-themed play facility in the square, integrated with columns and corridors, creates an aerial adventure path amid trees.
The gently curved corner walls prioritize children’s safety during play and movement. Low windowsills serve as convenient seating for children chatting in hallways. The combination of convex windows, recessed corridors, raised floors, balconies, and eaves, paired with abundant greenery, adapts effectively to the tropical climate. These architectural elements create a “cave-like” facade, reflecting the coastal urban style of the Shenzhen Bay area with distinctive, playful forms tailored for children. The tiered campus offers unique experiences, resembling a playful bonsai within the dense urban landscape.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ Landscape Schematic Diagram
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Fourth Floor Plan
△ Sectional Function Analysis Diagram
Project Information
Architect: Shenzhen Tianhua Architectural Design
Area: 13,248 m²
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: IX-MILES
Lead Architect: Jian Zheng
Design Team: Zhang Biqin, Zhuang Yonglong, Kong Mengling, Lu Tao, Wu Jinzhen
Structural Design: Shenzhen Tianhua Architectural Design Co., Ltd
Landscape Design: Shenzhen Fangwai Garden Landscape Design Co., Ltd
Construction Party: Shenzhen Shekou Investment Port Engineering Co., Ltd
Partner: Shenzhen Tianhua Yizhu Interior Design Co., Ltd. (Interior)
Client: China Resources Land Urban Operation Management (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Nanshan District Construction and Engineering Bureau, Shenzhen
Location: Shenzhen
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