MAD Designs Floating Kindergarten above Traditional Chinese Courtyard
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MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, unveiled its design for “Courtyard Kindergarten” in Beijing. MAD has proposed a dynamic floating roof that surrounds the historic “siheyuan” courtyard that dates back to 1725. MAD’s scheme inserts a new building thMAD Designs Floating Kindergarten above Traditional Chinese Courtyard
MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, unveiled its design for “Courtyard Kindergarten” in Beijing. MAD has proposed a dynamic floating roof that surrounds the historic “siheyuan” courtyard that dates back to 1725. MAD’s scheme inserts a new building that protects the existing buildings in the courtyard, as well as forms a multi-layered urban narrative, where old and new co-exist.According to MAD’s principal, Ma Yansong: “There is a saying in old Beijing when children are naughty: ‘if you go three days without being punished, the roof will cave in.’”MAD envisions “the rooftop of the ‘Courtyard Kindergarten’ as a place full of magic — a playful escape for children that is a symbol of freedom and endless imagination.”Designed as a daily education space for 400 children between the ages of 2-5 years, the kindergarten features an open-concept layout with teaching space, library, small theater, and gymnasium. The openness of the space offers a free and inclusive atmosphere. Situated adjacent to the old courtyard, the new learning space opens toward the historic buildings, providing children alternating views between old and new, and deepening their understanding of time and dimension. “In turn, the new building also has been realized to respect three ancient trees on the site. It envelopes them in a way that while preserving their presence, also echoes the existing courtyard space, bringing the outdoors in, and flooding the interior with natural sunlight,” writes MAD.“My ideal kindergarten is not a theme park, or a place of shelter. It should be objective and real, but go beyond reality and provide some space for the unknown and imagination,” says Ma Yansong.The “Courtyard Kindergarten” brings together a modern building from the ‘90s, and a traditional courtyard from 400 years ago. According to MAD, the openness and richness of the design will allow children to have an objective and true comprehension of the environment. It offers them an understanding of history and place, and the preservation of nature, bringing inclusiveness between the old and new design — one that adds value to the community.The “Courtyard Kindergarten” is expected to be completed and functioning in the autumn of 2019.Click on the slideshow for a sneak peek at the project. https://www.blouinartinfo.com/ Founder: Louise Blouin Read more