NPDA studio fosters imagination in prachasongkroa school

NPDA studio fosters imagination in prachasongkroa school
all images courtesy of NPDA studio

evoking children’s imagination, the ‘prachasongkroa school’ by thai firm NPDA studio utilizes a dream-like, free flowing geometry. located in a small rural part of kanchanaburi in thailand, the design replaces an existing structure that had become too old and unsafe for use. the layout was informed by the tapering, narrow site and connected to an elementary school at its front, its context is defined by a tightly-knit space, surrounded by buildings and trees.

the main concept was based on a series of contrasting elements, between the reality of the functional needs and the free-forms; crude, rough surfaces are set against smooth and glossy ones, exposed concrete versus bright primary colors. this approach hopes to promote learning, through observing and comparing these differences, as well as injecting a sense of fun into the geometry. despite the narrow nature of the site, the fluid volume minimizes what could be a very uncomfortable space and turns it into more of an imagination hide-out for children from the real world outside.

the school’s free-flowing geometry is in response to the tapering site

the design was based on contrasting elements between the structure’s functional needs and its fluid forms

bright primary colors are set against rough, exposed concrete

the spaces become an ‘imagination hide-out’ from the outside world

detail of the contrasting elements in the round structure

project info:

title: prachasongkroa kindergarten school
architects: NPDA studio
location: kanchanaburi, thailand
project year: 2013
design director: nutthawut piriyaprakob
design team: alongkorn chaijumras, pongharit tientatchai
project area: 400 sqm.
photographs: tanet chantaket

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