Buildings, especially those for children, are endowed with life and beauty, and as such they enable children to feel comfortable and cheerful. Park Legend Kindergarten - Challenge Design mimics the profiles of the surrounding mountains and irregular plot through its buildings and green-belt, creating a calm atmosphere; perfect for a learning environment. Buildings are constructed into a non-enclosed circle-like shape, and so satisfy children’s psychological needs, integrating public and private spaces and enabling the transition between dynamic and resting states.
The New Campus of Tianjin No.4 Middle School - RSAA/ Büro Ziyu Zhuang is an example of a school that is closely designed to compliment its students’ needs whilst playing an important role in their lives whilst they attend the school. The school avoids looking mechanical and cold, and creates an environment in which students can learn, think, talk and relax.
The Cranleigh Prep School - Townsend Building - Blue Forest Ltd project constructed additional teaching facilities that would blend in with the surrounding fields and countryside of the school. Collaborating with design and build contractors Blue Forest, the new Townsend building provides a healthy, natural learning environment for pupils and staff, as well as improving the circulation and functionality of the wider campus. Elements such as gardens and canopies combine to minimise climate-controlled corridors, therefore reducing energy requirements and reflecting the school’s outdoor living philosophy.
The design of Tillicum Middle School - NAC Architecture is organised around indoor and outdoor spaces that track the daily movement of light to create a rich sensory experience. The character of these spaces stimulates multiple educational and social benefits for all students, offering the chance for serene, relaxing moments as a counterbalance to the hustle of a busy school day. Biophilic design principles throughout the school increase student awareness of the interactions between architecture, nature, and sustainable choices. Honoring these connections, Tillicum will be in the top 1% in the U.S. for energy efficient schools.
To see more amazing entries from this year’s WAN Awards please click here.