NAN Architects has completed the Golden Bay Kindergarten in Chongqing, China, showcasing an innovative design that addresses both spatial constraints and the unique psychological needs of early childhood education. Located in the Lijia area of Yubei District along the Jialing River, the project demonstrates how thoughtful architectural strategies can create environments that balance openness, play, and protection for young learners.
The kindergarten's most distinctive feature is its staggered stacking method, where each classroom unit is sequentially set back to create terraces on every floor. This configuration transforms what could have been a standard multi-story building into a series of outdoor extensions that function as transitional zones between interior and exterior spaces. The design ensures continuity across all levels, allowing each floor to maintain the quality of being at ground level, which is particularly important for children's psychological development and sense of security.
The building's facade employs two complementary design strategies that respond to different orientations and functions. On the south and north elevations, large floor-to-ceiling glazing maximizes natural daylight while framing expansive views of the surrounding river landscape. Meanwhile, the east-west facades feature permeable terracotta brick screens that serve multiple purposes: providing essential shading, reducing glare, and maintaining privacy from nearby streets and residential villas. At night, these screens transform the building into a glowing lantern-like presence, creating a distinctive visual landmark in the neighborhood.
At the urban scale, the kindergarten presents carefully considered interfaces that respond to its varied surroundings. The north side, which faces the river and main road, houses circulation routes and auxiliary functions including offices, meeting rooms, and stairwells. These elements are connected by an open walkway that doubles as a public viewing platform, creating opportunities for community engagement. In contrast, the south side, which is oriented toward residential buildings, adopts a fragmented and playful massing strategy that softens the building's visual impact and establishes a more intimate relationship with the neighboring community.
The interplay of light and shadow created by the terracotta screens and strategic glazing contributes to an environment that is both stimulating and reassuring for children. This careful attention to lighting conditions supports the educational mission by creating spaces that encourage exploration while providing the sense of security that young learners need. The varied spatial qualities throughout the building offer opportunities for different types of learning and play activities.
Through its combined use of staggered stacking and semi-transparent facades, NAN Architects has successfully reconciled the limitations of a constrained triangular site with the complex requirements of early childhood education. The project represents a thoughtful approach to kindergarten design that goes beyond mere functionality to create an architecture that actively supports children's learning and growth while meaningfully engaging with its broader urban and environmental context.
