DESIGN NAME: Kindergarten in Vilnius
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Educational Building
INSPIRATION: The kindergarten's design is inspired by the natural beauty of the Baltic forest, with its birch and pine trees shaping the architectural form. The goal was to create a nurturing space that fosters children's connection with nature. Drawing from child-centered learning principles, the design emphasizes sensory exploration, natural light, and outdoor views. The hexagonal courtyard symbolizes a "world of wonder" from a child's perspective, encouraging curiosity, play, and growth.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Kindergarten in Vilnius blends architecture with nature to inspire children's curiosity and love for the environment. Its dark facade contrasts with the Baltic forest, while large, vertical windows provide immersive views of nature. The hexagonal inner courtyard, lined with local wood, offers a safe, playful learning space. The design prioritizes child-centered exploration, sensory engagement, and environmental connection, creating a unique and nurturing learning environment.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: -
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project began in 2021 in Vilnius, Lithuania, and was completed in 2023. The kindergarten is located in the 44-hectare "Uogu slenis" development, adjacent to a Baltic forest of birch and pine trees.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Architecture, Building and Structure Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The kindergarten was built using locally sourced natural materials to reflect its connection to the forest setting. The facade is clad in durable, weather-resistant dark panels that merge visually with the shadows of the surrounding trees. Locally sourced wood was used for the courtyard floors to ensure tactile comfort for children's play. The construction process emphasized sustainability and child safety, incorporating large, shatterproof glass panels for panoramic windows and thoughtful sun-shading elements to ensure natural light while preventing overheating.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Gross Built Area: 557 m² (5995 ft²)
Building Layout: 7 classrooms (2 specialized for infants), inner courtyard, dual-entrance system for flexible space division.
Facade: Dark cladding with tall, narrow panoramic windows.
Materials: Local wood for flooring, weather-resistant exterior panels, large shatterproof glass panels.
Location: Region of Vilnius, Lithuania.
TAGS: Kindergarten, educational architecture, child-centric design, nature-inspired architecture, sensory learning, Baltic forest, sustainable materials, early education space, dynamic facade, immersive learning environment
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: -
CHALLENGE: -
ADDED DATE: 2024-12-08 06:45:32
TEAM MEMBERS (4) : Lead architect: Ignas Vengalis, Lead designer: Filippo Erasti, Landscape Architect: Dovilė Ivanauskienė and Interior Architect: Justyna Molis
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer Norbert Tukaj, Kindergarten in Vilnius, 2023
Optional Image #1: Photographer Norbert Tukaj, Kindergarten in Vilnius, 2023
Optional Image #2: Photographer Norbert Tukaj, Kindergarten in Vilnius, 2023
Optional Image #3: Photographer Norbert Tukaj, Kindergarten in Vilnius, 2023
Optional Image #4: Photographer Norbert Tukaj, Kindergarten in Vilnius, 2023
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