This Vietnam kindergarten by Vo Trong Nghia Architects features a knot-shaped roof with a vegetable garden on top and three protected courtyard playgrounds.It was designed by Vo Trong Nghia Architects for children whose parents work at the neighbouring shoe factory.
Named Farming Kindergarten, the preschool is located in Dong Nai, just outside Ho Chi Min City.
Despite a tight budget, the Vietnamese architects wanted the building to become a prototype for sustainable school design, where children can learn how to grow their own food.
Vietnam, known as an agricultural country, is facing changes moving to a manufacturing-based economy, taking its toll on the environment. The rapid urbanisation deprives Vietnamese children of green lands and playgrounds, thus relationship with nature. Farming Kindergarten is a challenge to counter these issues.
The surface of the roof is covered in grass and plants to create an extra garden. It slopes down to the ground at two ends to allow easy access, then rises up over two levels of classrooms.
The outer walls are shaded behind concrete louvres that encourage the growth of climbing plants, while the green roof above serves as a form of insulation.
The kindergarten's rigid structure was built using economical materials that were readily available, including concrete, bricks and tiles.
Windows on both external and courtyard-facing walls offer natural lighting and cross ventilation throughout the building.
Other sustainability initiative include the use of solar power to heat water, and the recycling of waste water from the factory to irrigate greenery and flush toilets.
No comments:
Post a Comment