daliangshan space capsule by dika design

exploring kindergarten: daliangshan ‘space capsule’

deep in the daliang mountain, one of china’s poorest regions, sits the daliangshan ‘space capsule’ by dika design. spanning 4,950 sqm, the project comprises a kindergarten and communal spaces that inspire curiosity and play with their array of lines and shapes nodding to local topography, abstract geometries, national culture, and contemporary art.

concerning the choice of a capsule-shaped building, dika design says: ‘the project is located in the surrounding county of the xichang satellite launch center, where the people witnessed the miracle of china’s space flight. we hope to highlight that concept further on the campus.‘

all images by leon, wang yaguang, tu xueliang

a new focal point presenting unconventional perspective lines

the first challenge for dika design (see more here) was finding a way to integrate the building volume within the mountain scenery and its cultural features. ultimately, the architects decided to build the daliangshan space capsule according to the plateau terrain. they also enclosed in an arc-shaped area and invaded it with natural forces that break the traditional linear architectural perspective, forming a sharp contrast with the surrounding area, as well as a new focal point.

celebrating local education, discovery, and outdoor play

programatically, dika design planned the daliangshan space capsule campus to accommodate sports venues and creative classes, giving children a spectrum of activities for self-expression and play. at the same time, the architecture invites ample sunlight and natural air through floor-to-ceiling windows and a natural playground on the rooftop of the school building.

‘this is an attempt for us to deeply participate in the education iteration of the region. we hope that the architecture of the kindergarten is as pure as the environment in which it is nestled,’ reflects the team.

project info:

name: daliangshan space capsule

type: architecture/interior

location: xichang, sichuan, china

completed design date: 2020

construction date: 2021

gross floor area: 4,950 sqm

architecture: dika design

lead architect: wang junbao

participating designers: tian jiabin, ou jiyong, wang yaguang, tan huimin, fu huiming, zhang qi, lu qingyin, tu xueliang

construction drawings: zhang jie, xia guo-yong, tu xue-liang, wang peng, wang yang, xia haiyang, tang ling, li dong

further renderings: tu xueliang, lu qingyin, wu lin, cui yingnan

photography: leon, wang yaguang, tu xueliang

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: lea zeitoun | designboom