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 apr 19, 2013
SAKO architects: LOOP kindergarten in tianjin

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LOOP kindergarten by SAKO architects, tianjin, china

image misae hiromatsu
all images courtesy of SAKO architects

the LOOP kindergarten in tianjin by tokyo and beijing-based practice SAKO architects creates a clear contrast
between the industrious apartment-block
surroundings and the colorful colosseum of education. not a single sharp corner exists from the footprint to the
window sills, beveled edges make
for a kid-friendly environment brought to life with 18 vivid tones that span the spectrum of the color wheel and
carry through to the structure.
the gradually transforming colors also hold a logistical purpose they are used by the children to identify different
areas in the structure so they
do not get lost or confused in a circular building. classrooms are organized over three levels, the top two of which
contain a series of windows that
look into the central courtyard space. the top storey allows access to the rooftop garden where smaller structures
serve as open-air playgrounds.
the bottom level has outward facing windows and a covered series of atria in a large arena-like multifunctional
assembly area. various platforms
tinged to match the corresponding columns step out of or into the ground plane creating spheres of activity for
smaller groups. skylights that protrude
into the exterior courtyard are carried through into the underground square bringing in plenty of natural daylight.
each student has a right to views,
fresh air, and access to open spaces, a factor which this project takes to heart so that adults and kids alike can
enjoy their learning environments.

view from the running track

image misae hiromatsu
entrance to courtyard
image misae hiromatsu

central courtyard
image misae hiromatsu
view towards the central courtyard
image misae hiromatsu
hallway
image misae hiromatsu

stairs to the central underground courtyard

image misae hiromatsu
entrance to central hall
image misae hiromatsu

central hall below the exterior courtyard with skylights

image misae hiromatsu
elevated and sunken stepped platforms of various colors that refer to the hues of the proximal columns
image misae hiromatsu

classroom
image misae hiromatsu
classroom
image misae hiromatsu

rooftop garden
image misae hiromatsu
birds eye view
image misae hiromatsu

image misae hiromatsu

floor plan / level 0
floor plan / level 1
floor plan / level 2

section

project info:

project name: loop in tianjin

project location: tianjin, china
project type: kindergarten
 architect/s: keiichiro sako, yoko fujii, jing, junya kazuno/ sako architects
lighting design: masahide kakudate lighting architect & associates,inc.
client: sino-ocean land holdings limited
size: 3 stories
gross floor area: 4,300 sqm
design period: 2009/06-2011/03
construction period: 2011/04-2012/07
photography credit: ruijing photo

danny hudson I designboom

apr 19, 2013

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