Hana Daycare Center by ISON Architects: A Neighborhood Microcosm for Early Childhood Development

A Human-Centered Design in Urban Incheon

Hana Daycare Center, designed by ISON Architects, is a visionary early childhood facility located in Cheongna District, Incheon, South Korea. This area, developed on reclaimed land, is characterized by a predominantly vehicle-centric urban fabric, where human-scale environments are scarce. In response, the daycare center was designed as a microcosm of a neighborhood, offering children a nurturing space that blends nature, architecture, and community interaction.

Spatial Concept: Creating a Child-Friendly Environment

The architectural design of Hana Daycare Center is rooted in the idea of a self-contained neighborhood. Rather than imposing a rigid structure, the architects crafted an environment where rooms, yards, and hills integrate seamlessly to foster exploration and social interaction. The 40m x 140m rectangular site accommodates a series of interconnected spaces, ensuring a dynamic yet secure setting for children, parents, and teachers alike.

At the heart of the design, 18 nursery rooms are arranged in a modular grid of 9m units, interwoven with diverse play yards. These rooms are oriented along an east-west axis, allowing for optimal daylight exposure, while open play areas enhance indoor-outdoor fluidity. The spatial layering reflects the complexity of an urban neighborhood, stimulating cognitive and social development in young learners.

Functional Zoning: A Cohesive Learning Space

The facility is thoughtfully divided into distinct zones based on age groups:

• Infant Section (0-2 years): Located in the southern part of the site, providing a calm and nurturing space for the youngest children.
• Toddler Section (3-5 years): Positioned to the north, encouraging more active and interactive play.

To facilitate smooth circulation, entrances and administrative offices are strategically placed, ensuring a well-organized flow between the two zones. A spacious 3.8m-wide staircase, doubling as a book space, acts as a transition between the sections. The central dining area and multipurpose rooms further enhance communal engagement, reinforcing the daycare’s role as an educational and social hub.

Architectural Features: A Landscape-Inspired Design

The roof structure of Hana Daycare Center introduces a dynamic, undulating form that mirrors the rolling hills of Cheongna. This unique ceiling design establishes an indoor topography, visually connecting the flat urban landscape with the distant natural scenery. To enhance natural illumination, protruding skylights punctuate the roof, channeling sunlight into interior spaces. These skylights, when viewed from the exterior, resemble rocky outcrops, further anchoring the daycare within its landscape context.

The rooftop terrain extends the play area across multiple levels, offering children safe outdoor environments for movement and discovery. Some sections are designated as interactive playgrounds, while others remain untouched landscapes, fostering a sense of exploration and adaptability.

Materiality and Urban Integration

Given the site's proximity to major transportation routes, the western facade was constructed with a 4m-high solid wall to mitigate noise pollution from a nearby overpass. This ensures a tranquil atmosphere for children while maintaining an urban presence. To the east, the daycare interfaces with Hana Financial Group’s Global Plaza, allowing for a seamless connection to the broader community.

Material selection played a crucial role in shaping the daycare’s character. The exterior walls feature polished wood grain concrete, balancing durability with a natural aesthetic. Meanwhile, primary-colored tiles enliven the courtyard spaces, reinforcing an atmosphere of playfulness and creativity. These design elements enhance the sensory experience, encouraging children to interact with their surroundings.

A Model for Future Early Childhood Architecture

Hana Daycare Center by ISON Architects is more than just a childcare facility; it is a pioneering model for urban early childhood education. By integrating principles of community-driven design, natural engagement, and flexible learning environments, it successfully transforms a rigid urban site into a vibrant, nurturing space. The project stands as an exemplary blueprint for future daycare centers, demonstrating how architecture can support childhood development through innovative, sustainable, and human-centered design.

All Photographs are works of Kim Jong Oh