ArkA applies color and large open spaces for montessori kindergarten in beijing

ArkA design has completed the beijing peninsula kindergarten in china, as the second project with peninsula education group, that aims to combine montessori learning techniques with architecture. the scheme intends to create a suitable and safe environment for the growth of children, allowing them to play and learn freely and happily.

all images courtesy of ArkA design

the original building was an open-plan office, with its entire program divided between 4 floors. ArkA‘s first design intervention was to transform the space according to the physical proportions of children. the project incorporates numerous small houses which provides the kids a sense of ownership and safety. the plan of the classroom resembles a simple house and the library is positioned in an open area with a tree planted in the centre, just like the main square of a rural town.

staircase

corridors become a multifunctional open space to allow children to move around freely and play with others, also making it easy for teachers to supervise at the same time. some circulation spaces are expressed as fields for the kids to experience seasonal changes, while a big blue staircase connects every floor, resembling a canal. the staircase and the little houses are arranged to create the image of a village built along the river, bringing children closer to nature.

multifunctional room

the montessori kindergarten intends to serve as a community where children and adults can engage in interactive learning experiences. meanwhile, an easy and safe design is applied to the doors so that younger kids can use them without worrying about sharp corners. the project by ArkA creates a space that facilitates independent learning through the establishment of free and open areas, and an overall playful and happy environment.

corridor and classroom entrance

the reading room below the staircase

2nd-floor corridor

library

ArkA doors with special anti-pitching system

classroom space

bathrooms and kitchen with montessori dimensions for kids

painting corner

project info:

project name: beijing peninsula kindergarten

location: beijing, china

architect: ArkA design

design team: michele lanari, giada leo, yiyi, tony

project completed: 2017

area: 8000 sqm

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom