Old and young mix in a dynamic learning environment

MAD Architects’ kindergarten right next to a senior citizens’ apartment block in Beijing’s Chaoyang district has successfully managed to bring the outdoors in while it creates an organic and dynamic learning environment.

Completed last year, the Yuecheng Courtyard Kindergarten serves as an education space for 390 children aged from 18 months to six years old.

The Yuecheng Courtyard Kindergarten is an education space for 390 children.

A converted 18th century courtyard building is topped with a playspace for the students, with the kindergarten wrapped around the traditional structure originally built in 1725.

“Here, nature becomes the main subject, and the architecture instead revolves around it,” says MAD principal partner, Ma Yansong. “In the courtyard there is nature, the world, and human life, acting together to form the core of the architecture.”

An undulating, floating, bright red and orange roof contrasts with the roof of the historic buildings, connecting the spaces and evoking the proverb from Old Beijing, “if you go three days without being punished, the roof will cave in.” Small hills and plains create both high and low terrain ideal for play.

The converted 18th century courtyard building is topped with a play space for the students.

The space is broken up by a series of courtyards that puncture the roof, while also connecting the two levels via slides and stairs. An open-plan teaching space is flooded with light, ventilation and an outdoor extension.

“When combined with the ancient courtyard, old trees, and infinite sky, a surreal environment inspires children to think, reflect, and chase endless possibilities,” say MAD Architects.

Historic buildings on site become part of the kindergarten; the triple entry courtyard house is connected to the new space via courtyards and corridors, and the eaves and tiles of the courtyards, combined with the old trees within, create a historical and natural atmosphere.

Yuecheng Courtyard Kindergarten, “shows how several seemingly disparate, even sometimes contradictory, elements of architecture from different historical periods can coexist harmoniously while maintaining their authenticity and individuality,” and, “can work in unison to create a new openness and richness.”

The result is “an understanding of how nature and history can bring a sense of inclusiveness to a new place, shaping a community’s unique consensus and values.”

The kindergarten is right next to a senior citizens’ apartment block.