Knowing that kids will go out of their way to jump in a puddle if they see one, Japanese architecture firms Hibino Sekkei and Youji no Shiro created a playful school for kids that would allow them to do just this.
The two-storey school's most exciting feature is a central courtyard that is open to the skies above, letting in the sunshine on a good day, as well as rain on a cloudy one. Since the roof is fully retractable, this section can even be frozen over to create an icy rink for kids, giving them a safe area for supervised play. When the space is fully dry, it also serves as the perfect indoor activity area.
This multipurpose space provides numerous stimuli to keep kids entertained all season long.
Elemental School Courtyards
This School for Kids Becomes a Splashpad in the Rain
Trend Themes
1. Multipurpose School Spaces - Designing schools to have versatile features that can cater to children's different needs as the seasons change.
2. Interactive Courtyards - Creating innovative and interactive outdoor spaces that can be used for play and learning purposes.
3. Weather-proof Architecture - Incorporating technology that caters to different weather conditions, allowing children to enjoy the outdoors all-year-round.
Industry Implications
1. Education - Schools can incorporate these design trends to create a more engaging and dynamic learning environment for children.
2. Architecture - Architects and builders can consider incorporating these design trends into the planning and construction of educational and community buildings.
3. Recreation - Recreational spaces and parks can benefit from design trends that create engaging and interactive outdoor spaces for children and families.