Architects: SAKO Architects
Area: 2770 m²
Year: 2020
Photographs: CreatAR Images
Manufacturers: Vanceva
Engineering: Beijing Yanhuang International Architecture & Engineering Co.Ltd
Landscape: SAKO Architects
Products used in this Project: Color PVB Interlayers by VancevaArchitect In Charge: Keiichiro Sako
Design Team: Keiichiro Sako, Wanchien Lin
Client: SOHO China
City: Tianshui
Country: China
Kaleidoscope Kindergarten, designed by SAKO Architects, stands out for its use of ten different colors on 438 pieces of colored glass. This vibrant design element adorns areas above glass doors, windows, handrails, and corridors. Inspired by the traditional cave-like dwellings of the Loess Plateau, the building features arched openings of various sizes, creating a playful “birthday cake” appearance. The multi-functional atrium, surrounded by classrooms and equipped with floor heating and air conditioning, allows for year-round activities. The colored glass casts dynamic lights and shadows, stimulating children’s imagination and creativity. This kindergarten aims to inspire creativity and serve as a new landmark in Tianshui City.
Kaleidoscope in Tianshui is a kindergarten located in Tianshui City, Gansu Province, China. A striking feature of this design is the use of ten different colors across 438 pieces of colored glass, making it a central design element. These color elements are incorporated above the glass doors and windows, as well as on the handrails of corridors and stairs. It is believed to be the kindergarten with the largest application of colored glass in the world.
During the day, sunlight streams through the colored glass, casting vibrant lights and shadows that stimulate children’s imagination and creativity. At night, the interior lights glow through the windows, creating a beautiful and impressive night scene.
The second feature is that all the openings in the kindergarten are arched. The design is inspired by the traditional cave-like dwellings in the Loess Plateau, where Tianshui City is located. To incorporate this concept, SAKO Architects arranged arched windows of varying sizes in scattered positions, giving the building the appearance of a birthday cake.
The third feature is a multi-functional atrium surrounded by classrooms, equipped with floor heating and air conditioning. This space accommodates various activities throughout the seasons. A glass ceiling above the three-story atrium allows natural light to pour in, while windows around the atrium can be opened for summer ventilation and closed to retain heat in winter.
The use of ten different colors of glass on the handrails of the corridors and stairs encircling the atrium creates a stunning atmosphere. Sunlight filters through the colored glass, casting shadows of various shapes and hues. These shadows overlap, blending the original ten colors into entirely new shades.
As the sun’s rays shift angles throughout the day, the light and shadows move across vertical walls and horizontal floors, creating a dynamic play of long and short colored lights and shadows. This phenomenon infuses the atrium with constant vibrancy and excitement, reflecting the changing external environment. The entire space resembles a giant rotating kaleidoscope, with continually evolving colors and patterns.
SAKO Architects not only creates a captivating space but also enhances its efficiency by thoughtfully considering the local cold climate. Children of various ages can play and interact in the atrium daily, fostering a sense of cohesion and solidarity. This comfortable and beautiful environment supports their development and promotes community among the children.
Moreover, the rooftop playground provides a safe and enjoyable space for children to overlook the expansive view of Tianshui City. As they grow, the memory of this spectacular scenery will instill a sense of pride in their hometown.
SAKO Architects aims to inspire children’s boundless creativity through the design of this remarkable building as they grow. They anticipate that this kindergarten will be warmly embraced by the community and become a prominent landmark in Tianshui City.
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Project Location
Address: Tianshui City, Gansu Province, China
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
