45° Kindergarten: A Unique Approach to Kindergarten Architecture Design

The 45° Kindergarten in Chiayi, Taiwan, designed by office aaa, exemplifies innovative kindergarten architecture design that integrates educational needs with creative architectural solutions. The structure not only provides a nurturing environment for children but also enhances the community's educational resources.

Location and Historical Context

Nestled in the mountainous region of Chiayi County, Dapu Township has a rich history. The construction of the Tseng Wen Reservoir in 1973 led to significant land changes, transforming Dapu into a protected forest reserve and a serene sanctuary. This historical backdrop sets the stage for the 45° Kindergarten's unique design.

Architectural Design and Layout

Exterior and Structure

The 45° Kindergarten is located adjacent to Dapu Junior High School and Elementary School. The two-story building, constructed at a cost of 1.6 million dollars, spans a total floor area of 945 square meters. It features three distinct volumes: rectangular classrooms, a circular multi-purpose space, and a crescent-shaped reading room. This design forms a protected circular environment for children, clearly demarcating indoor and outdoor spaces.

Interior Spaces

• Ground Floor: Houses three preschool classrooms and a multi-purpose activity room.
• Upper Floor: Dedicated to a community reading station, angled at 45 degrees to face the reservoir and distant Matoushan, providing a sense of enclosure and comfort.

Functional and Educational Synergy

The preschool and community reading station are designed to work in close synergy, addressing the need for educational resources and indoor communal learning spaces. This is particularly important in Dapu Township, where many children are raised by their grandparents.

Architectural Elements and Features

Classroom Layout

The classroom layout aligns with the campus axis and property boundary. The circular multi-purpose space serves dual purposes: an indoor activity area for the preschool and a weekend childcare facility.

Unique Staircase Design

The second-floor community reading station features a staircase with a 45-degree rotation, forming a Y-shaped structure that integrates the angle differences between floors. This staircase is a distinctive element, requiring an adjustment of both visual and physical perception, akin to reading the surrounding landscape.

Structural and Material Efficiency

The column spacing along the X and Y axes is uniform at 6 meters, ensuring structural efficiency. The building’s high thermal inertia, coupled with over 10 cm thick insulation and efficient cross ventilation, guarantees low energy consumption and reduced demand.

The 45° Kindergarten by office aaa stands as a testament to innovative kindergarten architecture design. It successfully merges functional educational spaces with creative architectural elements, providing a holistic and nurturing environment for children while enhancing the community's resources. This project highlights the potential of thoughtful design in shaping the educational experiences of future generations.

All the photographs are work of Yu-Chen Chao