This is a very famous Kindergarten in Japan. Famous for it’s unique design. It is so evident that the designers have created a space in which the user – the children – has been the main source of inspiration. I fantastic example of empathic design built purposeully for the user.
The entire structure is a circle with the roof being a running track and extension of the playground in the centre. This is becuase when children are given large, open spaces to enjoy, what do they do? They run. In circles.
The importance of nature is embedded into this design. Trees stick up through learning spaces and through the roof. Each indoor learning space is completely opened up into the courtyard most of the year. There is at least one sky light in each classroom. There are no boundaries between inside and outside, nor any boundaries between classrooms. This results in a sense of freedom and ownership for the children.
There are areas in the playground designed to allow children to take risks in their play to teach resilience and self-awareness. Small doses of danger has lead to an increase in self-confidence and team work.
These children are free. They take risks, they expend energy, they are able to concentrate well in class, they respect and admire nature. They feel safe. They are not constrained. The design and architecture of this school has completely changed the way these children learn.
Hi Natasha,
This is fantastic! I have never heard of this kindergarten before so I found your post and video very interesting. Funnily enough as part of my job I have visited a large number of kindergartens this year. None of them (unsurprisingly) have looked anything like this. They have the standard one or two indoor rooms, the director’s office, a kitchen for food preparation and then an outdoor area which usually consists on a sandpit, a small playground (sometimes) and an open area. Compared to what you have showcased here though, the spaces are tiny. I know that the kindergartens have done their best with the space and budget they have but wouldn’t it be BRILLIANT if something like this could be built in Australia?
Thanks for sharing,
Rose