Presenting the principles of engaging “naturally with nature”

Located at the end of a winding pathway, atop of a sand dune, this single-story wooden Yamaikarashi Nursery School filled with characterful rooms and recesses provides a diverse base for children. The goal of the project that presented by Takeru Shoji Architects is construction of a large childcare environment that extends beyond the nursery rooms, the building, and the nursery yard, to the surrounding area as a single continuum, and the establishment of a mutually watchful relationship in which the whole village is involved in the children's learning and play, and for the children to revitalize the village.

Photo credit: ©Koji Fujii（toreal）

Who or what is this nursery school for?

Childcare researchers and workers, parents, and local residents held a series of workshops to discuss the benefits of reconstructing a nursery school on the suburban site. With an aging population and declining birthrate, emphasis was put on how a nursery school could benefit both the children and the surrounding area. The participants concluded on a vision to create a nursery school like a village, and to foster a village like a nursery school.

Photo credit: ©Koji Fujii（toreal）

Photo credit: ©Koji Fujii（toreal）

Photo credit: ©Koji Fujii（toreal）

The vaguely bounded, expanding nursery school will allow children to move leisurely between interior rooms, exterior playgrounds, and the village itself. Additionally, the nursery school could be open to villagers as a place for community interaction and visitations. The winding, narrow streets that characterize the village are drawn into the nursery school and become exterior corridors that continue to the back of the building, resulting in a village-like atmosphere for the children. A childcare support office and deck plaza are situated in front of the building, which will be used for local farmers' markets and food truck events, mixing community activities with nursery school activities.

Photo credit: ©Koji Fujii（toreal）

Photo credit: ©Koji Fujii（toreal）

Photo credit: ©Koji Fujii（toreal）

Photo credit: ©Koji Fujii（toreal）

In addition, air conditioners and total heat exchangers are installed under the prefectural cedar flooring, creating an underfloor air chamber so that children are not exposed to direct airflow. Radiant heat works on their bodies, creating comfortable conditions for learning and play.

Photo credit: ©Koji Fujii（toreal）

Photo credit: ©Koji Fujii（toreal）

This vaguely bounded nursery school is creating infusing flexibility and expansion into children's learning and play, responding to everyone's wishes and stimulating a new form of everyday life in the village. It seems that the very seeds of creating a nursery school like a village, and fostering a village like a nursery school, are beginning to sprout.

Photo credit: ©Koji Fujii（toreal）

Photo credit: ©Koji Fujii（toreal）

About Takeru Shoji Architects

Takeru Shoji's desire is not just to create a living space to solve the changing needs of a house, commercial area, or public spaces, but to also create a living environment that makes those in it happy. The architect wants not only those owning and residing in the building to feel moved and feel its unique characteristics, but also those living nearby or simply passing by. Takeru Shoji believes that the creation of an "open" environment through designs is more important than the actual buildings themselves.