Niigata, Japan
Located at the end of a winding pathway, atop a sand dune in Niigata, this 1,587-square-metre nursery school designed by Takeru Shoji Architects is a one-story wooden structure with unique spaces that provide a diverse environment for all children.
The architects have envisioned this school as a center for early childhood education and care, a nursery school dedicated to the principles of engaging “naturally with nature”.
They have designed a large childcare environment that extends beyond the nursery rooms, the building, and the nursery yard, to the surrounding area as a single continuum, and the establishment of a mutually watchful relationship in which the whole village is involved in the children’s learning and play, and for the children to revitalize the village.
The winding, narrow streets that characterize the village are drawn into the nursery school and become exterior corridors that continue to the back of the building, resulting in a village-like atmosphere for the children.
A childcare support office and deck plaza are situated in front of the building, which will be used for local farmers’ markets and food truck events, mixing community activities with nursery school activities.
In addition, air conditioners and total heat exchangers are installed under the prefectural cedar flooring, creating an underfloor air chamber so that children are not exposed to direct airflow.
Radiant heat works on their bodies, creating comfortable conditions for learning and play.
The initial aim of the project was for the children to spend more time outside and interact with each other.
Project: Yamaikarashi Nursery School
Architects: Takeru Shoji Architects
Lead Architects: Takeru Shoji and Yuki Hirano
Client: YNS Yamaikarashi Nursery School
Photographers: Koji Fujii, TOREAL
