8/5/2017 Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects | ArchDaily

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Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects

20:00 - 4 August, 2017

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Architects
dot Architects

Location
Qingdao, Shandong, China

Lead Architect
Duo Ning

Design Team
Hu Xingzhu, Sun Qingfeng, Deng Tingfang, Liao Zhaocong Client: Vanke

Client
Vanke

Area
600.0 m2

Project Year
2017

Photographs
Wu Qingshan

Manufacturers
Armstrong Flooring, Dulux

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8/5/2017 Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects | ArchDaily

From the architect. dot Architects has designed a new early learning centre for Chinese developer Vanke. The project locates in Qingdao, China. The
early learning centre is on the third floor of a former sales gallery.

As the main users of the educational place will be preschool children, we are looking for something between a classroom and a playroom. Taking
their active lifestyles and level of cognition into consideration, the design strategy focuses on creating an open and colourful space.

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8/5/2017 Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects | ArchDaily

Although it is still a hypothesis, that social interaction and unstructured play are vital for childrens development. An open space is required for
such activities to happen. A stage is defined as the reading zone instead of a library room. It can be used for free play during classes or as a theatre
stage for special events.

We designed a scaled down children friendly house on top of the stage. The house is enclosed of wooden boxes which can be used to display books,
plants or other exhibits. Children can sit and read anywhere, beside the table or on the stairs.

In order to create continuity in the space and to prevent a potential collision, the plan layout is defined with smooth curves. Two oval shaped
skylights are introduced into the space to bring in the natural light, as the south facing windows are occupied by classrooms.

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8/5/2017 Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects | ArchDaily

Classrooms are categorized under di erent climate regions. Each region is represented with a theme colour and its signature animals. It is a more
e icient way for preschoolers to identify the classrooms than usual numbering system.

The interior of the classrooms use the same colour with a lighter shade. The furniture also has some coloured panels to make it more vivid.

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8/5/2017 Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects | ArchDaily

As the budget for facade renovation is limited, the original curtain wall is remained with some panels replaced by the coloured ones. The entrance
to the learning centre is defined by an illuminated logo.

In designing spaces for children, we prefer abstract geometry and simple visual language. We believe that childrens imaginations are more
complex than any designed forms. It is better to design less to create a more imaginative space.

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8/5/2017 Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects | ArchDaily

Wu Qingshan Wu Qingshan Wu Qingshan Wu Qingshan Wu Qingshan

Wu Qingshan Wu Qingshan Wu Qingshan Wu Qingshan Wu Qingshan

Wu Qingshan Wu Qingshan Wu Qingshan Wu Qingshan Wu Qingshan

Plan

Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.

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8/5/2017 Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects | ArchDaily
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See more:

Projects Built Projects Selected Projects Educational Architecture Kindergarten Refurbishment Qingdao Vanke

Shandong dot Architects China

Cite: "Vanke Early Learning Center / dot Architects" 04 Aug 2017. ArchDaily. Accessed 5 Aug 2017. <http://www.archdaily.com/876880/vanke-early-learning-center-dot-
architects/>

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