location: Kazakhstan
area: 3.100 m2 type: public
status: concept
year of project: 2012
The objective of the project
was to prepare a scheme for a kindergarten with the possibility
of adaptation regarding capacity and different location elements
in order to use it across the entire country of Kazakhstan.
Kindergarten is organized modularly according to its four program
divisions: a department for 1-to-3-year-olds, a department for
3-to-5-year-olds, a common gym/performances area and a service
building with technical spaces, kitchen and administration.
For the typical capacity of 320 children, the 6 buildings/wings
are attached to a central communication line. The length and
number of each wing allows for adaptability of capacity. In
each wing, living/playing rooms open into pleasant enclosed
exterior spaces that are perfect for playing outdoors. The basic
living unit is in 45-55 sqm in size, with a wide overhang, protecting
the facade from direct sunlight and rain. A light "dome" at
the top opens to all four sides of the sky, providing ample
natural light in the children's living area. Thus, the change
of sunlight during the day is conveyed indoors, providing an
airy, optimistic atmosphere important for the child's development.
The choice of materials is arranged into a system which allows
for a change of construction and facade materials according
to options ensuing from local economy and climatic conditions
which can be extreme in some parts of the country. With skeletal
construction, various adaptations of the system are possible.
Surface finishes are chosen so to provide the building with
the quality mentioned above- optimism.
A light, colourful environment is something children like to
get used to; at the same time it influences their development
into personalities with these same qualities.
