Located in the heart of Haiyan County’s urban area in Zhejiang Province, this project borders Mosang Park to the south, celebrating the region’s rich silkworm culture. The development comprises two teaching buildings, a lobby, cafeteria, administrative building, and an underground parking garage. The design integrates both the building structure and indoor environment harmoniously.
Design Philosophy
This design proposal centers around integrating the theme of silkworm culture into a narrative of naturalistic education. The goal is to create a kindergarten environment that feels natural, warm, and engaging for children.
The overall site layout is inspired by the texture of mulberry leaves, evolving into 12 uniquely shaped courtyard spaces. These courtyards, varying in type and elevation, optimize ventilation and natural lighting, enabling a “big picture through small spaces” experience. This approach maximizes the limited land area and addresses spatial constraints effectively.
Paths such as ramps, stairs, and corridors weave through these courtyards, organizing scenes, objects, interfaces, and activities into a series of spatial and temporal narratives reflecting children’s daily lives.
The architectural design features four distinct arch types and their combinations to accommodate the diverse functional needs of children, while also addressing their psychological requirements at different ages. Inspired by the concept of “Qianmo,” the design shapes planes and facades that create interfaces and layouts scaled to children’s cognitive abilities.
Technological Innovations
The design incorporates several cutting-edge technologies:
- SPACE SYNTAX based clue selection technology optimizes the layout by connecting various functional areas through paths like stairs, ramps, and corridors.
- Interface design leveraging View Analysis (ISOVIST) enhances the connection between the main courtyard and the outdoor activity space, improving spatial continuity and expanding sightlines. This clarifies visual focus and identifies key interfaces for careful design and treatment.
- Facade design uses symbolic metaphor (SEMIOTIC INDEX) inspired by cocoon imagery. Buildings of varying sizes and functions are differentiated through color, materials, and facade forms, creating dynamic, textured, and fractal façades.
Project Drawings
Project Information
Architect: Urban Space Culture and Science Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Area: 11,955 m²
Project Year: 2021
Lead Architect: Lu Shaoming
Structural Design: Shanghai Jiao Tong University Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd
Landscape Design: Urban Space Culture and Science Research Center of Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Construction Contractor: Jiaye Zhuozhong Construction Co., Ltd
Partner: Shanghai Jiao Tong University Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd
Client: Wanlu Kindergarten, Haiyan County
Location: Jiaxing
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