The design begins with the concept of a tree. Our vision is to create a large, magical tree space inspired by fairy tales—where children can climb up and down, interact with each other, sit together on broad steps to chat, or discover new worlds through each tree hollow. These tree hollows represent one of the most primitive and pure spatial experiences for children. We hope this space will serve as a starting point for their dreams.
The sunlit atrium, with its inviting curved surfaces, warmly embraces the children. It acts as both the heart of the space and the starting point for their exploration. The smooth curves and textures of the courtyard evoke the feeling of being in a river valley’s center. The warm, natural wood grain invites children to freely touch and engage with the environment. Various holes of different sizes and shapes encourage discovery and play.
The corridors that connect the atrium to different functional rooms, along with facing stairwell windows, add unexpected excitement to the children’s activities. These corridors serve as both a buffer and a link within the space, symbolizing the “branches” of the “big tree” we envisioned.
Every opening in the design offers the possibility of a child peeking through to explore the world around them. Children don’t require symbolic or slogan-based architectural experiences; rather, they need small worlds to discover and engage with. The entrance to the multifunctional hall, shaped like a cave, connects to the courtyard and walkway, sparking curiosity and a desire to explore.
The classroom is designed as a single, undivided block, painted in a warm, low-saturation gray to provide a versatile “blank canvas.” This “white space” in both activity and color allows children unlimited freedom to personalize and decorate their learning environment.
From the concept of a tree to a dreamlike space within a tree hollow, growing up often means losing the ability to see the world through a child’s eyes. Yet, we remain committed to creating dreams—so the “child” we once were, the person we wished to become, can live on through these imaginative spaces.
Project Drawings
△ Hand-drawn concept map
△ Hand-drawn analysis diagram
△ Hand-drawn analysis diagram
△ Hand-drawn analysis diagram
△ Hand-drawn analysis diagram
△ Base schematic diagram
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Third floor plan
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Architects: ARCPLUS ECADI Shanghai Modern Architectural Decoration & Landscape Design
Area: 4182 m²
Project Year: 2024
Photographer: Liang Shan
Lead Architect: Liu Haiyang
Concept Design Team: Liu Haiyang, Yang Zijiang, Yu Wenhui, Cheng Fang, Lin Zijie, Zhang Yixin
Detailed Design Control: Shanghai Gonggu Space Design Co., Ltd
Construction Drawing Design: Mingyang Engineering Design Group Co., Ltd
Construction Contractor: Shanghai Fabo Construction Co., Ltd
Client: Shanghai Qichengxuan Enterprise Development Co., Ltd
Location: Jing’an District, Shanghai
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