Kindergarten is the first step in shaping children’s personalities and enhancing their understanding of the world. Inspired by the concept of “cloud houses in the forest,” this design introduces a new landscape for early childhood education. It creates a wonderland full of imagination, fostering the use of innovative teaching concepts within the space.
Located on the outskirts of Fengxian District, Shanghai Lanwan Kindergarten covers a total construction area of 8,735.58 square meters. It offers an “infinite” garden experience that embraces tranquility and invites exploration. The facility includes 15 classrooms, six specialized activity rooms, a 220-square-meter multifunctional hall, as well as office and residential amenities.
The staggered, layered layout addresses the challenges of sunlight and functionality in high-density urban areas. By integrating sunshine, greenery, and gentle breezes, children can immerse themselves in the natural atmosphere and even smell the earth. The spatial arrangement—with its interwoven layers—stimulates children’s curiosity and encourages exploration.
The first floor features a wooden pedestal structure that feels grounded and earthy. Above, the “floating cloud house” is clad in perforated corrugated aluminum panels, resembling a dreamy castle in the sky. This upper level connects to classrooms through corridors and platforms. The design incorporates windows of varying heights—both high and low—that ensure ample natural light and ventilation while creating a soft, translucent effect full of childlike charm. Uniform window sizing also simplifies construction. The roof forms a continuous, undulating fifth facade with two distinct slopes, adding a dynamic visual element that stands out in the residential neighborhood.
The architecture seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. Corridors and courtyards create multi-directional transparency and varied spatial interfaces, inviting children to explore relationships between scale, experience, and environment. The first-floor activity room features flexible partitions, blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces. This connection with the courtyard fosters a free-flowing, nature-oriented environment.
The courtyard spaces each have unique characteristics centered around six themed gardens. These miniature, ever-changing worlds allow every child to find a favorite spot. The natural elements—sunlight, soil, grass, and trees—imbue the environment with endless charm and vitality. The cycles of plant growth and decay, the fluttering of insects and butterflies, and the sounds of wind and rain all help nurture children’s understanding of the world around them.
The warm, poetic interiors feature simple and bright classroom designs that offer flexible spaces for future furniture arrangements while keeping decoration costs controlled. The combination of skylights, French windows, high windows, colored panes, and small windows allows children to enjoy views from different heights. Natural light filters through skylights, creating dynamic patterns of light and shadow throughout the rooms.
Project drawings
△ Axonometric Diagram
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Detailed Structural Drawing
Project Information
Architect: Ding Shun Team, East China Architectural Design and Research Institute
Area: 8,735 m²
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: CreatAR Images
Lead Designer: Ding Shun
Design Team: Zhao Xiaodan, Wu Bingpeng, Wang Lijing, Shan Guobin, Zhou Lan, Liu Liu Liu, Zhang Wanshu
Structural Design: Project Seventeen Department, East China Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd.
Water Supply, Drainage, HVAC Design: Wang Qinghua
Electrical Design: Wang Pu
Landscape Design: Ding Shun Team, East China Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd.
Construction: Shanghai Pudong New Area Construction (Group) Co., Ltd.
Owner: Shanghai Lingang Economic Development (Group) Co., Ltd.
Location: Shanghai
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