Rather than relying on the preconceived notions of how adults believe a school complex should be designed, LYCS Architecture turned to children for Yuhang NO.2 School, a kindergarten, primary, and secondary school complex located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. The bright and whimsical school grounds are inspired by a kindergarten student's drawing of his ideal school.
The project, which is set for completion in 2017, will encompass the three school buildings mentioned above, as well as several amenities that include a soccer pitch, four hybrid tennis and basketball courts, a track and field area, and several lawns.
The entire premises will be connected via an ambling series of roads that curve gently and calmly, just like the roads in the kindergartner's picture.
Child-Drawn School Grounds
Yuhang NO.2 School was Inspired by a Kindergarten Student's Drawing
Trend Themes
1. Child-designed School Complex - Opportunity to disrupt traditional school design processes by involving children in creative processes
2. Whimsical and Playful School Grounds - Opportunity to create unique, fun and visually meaningful learning spaces inspired by children's worldviews
3. Emphasis on Child-friendly Amenities - Opportunity to design child-friendly amenities and facilities that cater to the development of physical skills in children
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - Opportunity to incorporate child-inspired designs and methods with the aim of disrupting traditional school design processes
2. Education - Opportunity to incorporate children's perspectives and insights in school design in order to create learning spaces that are both functional and inspiration
3. Sports and Recreation - Opportunity to design sport and recreation facilities that are child-friendly and promote physical activity as part of the school curriculum