The best kindergarten you’ve ever seen | Takaharu Tezuka

Summary

The script describes a unique kindergarten designed in 2007 with a circular rooftop for endless play, reflecting children's love for circular activities. The principal insisted on safety without traditional handrails, opting for nets around trees. The design blurs boundaries between indoors and outdoors, promoting freedom and natural learning. The open environment encourages children to explore, interact, and develop physically and socially, with the belief that a touch of danger helps them learn to navigate the world.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The kindergarten was designed with a circular layout, promoting endless circulation and play.
• 🌳 The design includes trees within the structure, allowing children to interact with nature.
• 🧍‍♂️ The principal insisted on safety nets instead of handrails to catch falling children.
• 🤸‍♂️ Children are encouraged to climb and play around the trees, fostering a sense of adventure.
• 🏡 The architecture blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, enhancing children's connection with nature.
• 💧 The kindergarten features various water taps and flexible tubes for children to play with water.
• 🏋️‍♂️ The design encourages physical activity, with children averaging 4,000 meters of running daily.
• 🎓 The open layout and lack of acoustic barriers promote concentration and social interaction.
• 🌧️ The kindergarten embraces noise as a natural part of children's lives, contrary to the need for silence.
• 🌡️ The building is designed to withstand various weather conditions, promoting outdoor play year-round.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 The design philosophy is to allow children to take risks and learn from minor injuries, preparing them for life.

Q & A

What is the unique design feature of the kindergarten mentioned in the script?

The kindergarten is designed as a circle, allowing for endless circulation on the rooftop.

Why did the principal of the kindergarten not want a handrail on the rooftop?

The principal suggested having a net sticking out from the edge of the roof to catch children falling off instead of a handrail.

How did the architect address the principal's concern about the handrail?

The architect kept the idea of a net around the trees that punctuate the roof, using a rope as a handrail that children could fall into the net.

What is the significance of the trees in the design of the kindergarten?

The trees are integrated into the design, with children able to climb and interact with them, and they also serve as a safety feature with nets catching children if they fall.

Why did the architect make the roof as low as possible?

The low roof allows for visibility of children on top, promoting a sense of openness and connection with the outdoors.

How does the kindergarten's design address the issue of noise?

The kindergarten is designed without acoustic barriers, recognizing that children can concentrate well in noise and that noise is a natural part of their environment.

What is the relationship between the architecture of the kindergarten and the children's physical activity?

The open design and lack of boundaries encourage children to be active, with the children averaging 4,000 meters of movement daily.

Why does the architect believe that children need a small dosage of danger?

The architect believes that exposure to a small amount of danger helps children learn to help each other and navigate society, which is an important life skill.

How does the kindergarten's design facilitate the natural movement of children?

The circular design allows for natural movement without the need for forced control, as children can move freely and return to their starting point.

What is the significance of the skylights in each classroom?

The skylights not only provide natural light but also create a sense of connection to the outdoors and are used as a playful element, like Santa Claus entering during Christmas.

How does the architect view the role of architecture in children's lives?

The architect sees architecture as a powerful tool that can change the world and people's lives, with the kindergarten being an attempt to positively influence children's development.