Wondrous Light Children’s House in Singapore by CHANG Architects

Article source: CHANG Architects

This is a children’s place offering a living, breathing form of nurturing. It allows self-discovery of the individual; understanding and being conscientious of oneself through the exploration of the senses, through physical movement, and through interacting with others and the environment. It is about cultivating the will and feelings, more than information gathering and defining knowledge.

View of Wondrous Light Children’s House from the street, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

• Architects: CHANG Architects
• Project: Wondrous Light Children’s House
• Location: Singapore
• Software used: Autocad

Bread-making session at the main play space, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

The space is about making connections to the environment, humanity, the cosmos, and all of life’s experiences as these unfold through daily encounters. Designed with the children’s scale, perspectives and psychologies in mind, children move through and dwell in crafted spaces that offer a variety of spatial experiences that support emotional developments. Varying planar qualities through the use of natural and recycled plywood panels offer different experiences of touch and feel with the change in texture, line works, and formal expressions.

The Parents’ Corner is dedicated for the bonding of parents and teachers, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

View of the indoor play space, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

Devoid of large, colourful graphics and alphabets common in pre-schools, the spaces here set the backdrop for the different needs of the children’s activities, arousing the sense of curiosity and imagination.

The emphasis here is not about ‘head-learning’ but ‘limb-learning’; it is about experiences, the senses, feelings, and the concern for children as embodied beings engaging with the material world; and the importance, richness, and value of experience as a source of knowledge.

Colour and daylight setting for playgroups, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

Panelling in angulated, fluid compositions stimulate eye movements, which in turn stimulate the brain, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

This project does not aim to ‘éducate’ children through academics nor exposing them with the latest digital technologies. It offers a ‘home environment’ where children feel calm and secured to enjoy free, self-directed play; to develop a sense of empathy; and through explorations and enhancements of their senses, they become emotionally stable, more authentic, imaginative, and conscientious of their state of being.

Although housed in a small conservation shophouse, it has much to offer for happy childhood, as seen in the confident, contented and joyful faces of the children here.

Children move through crafted spaces that offer a variety of spatial experiences, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

Crafted spaces and wood panelling contribute to a sense of place and help stimulate the senses, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

Portal to the children’s ‘secret rest area, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

Portal to the play space, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

The foyer is layered and textured to draw the curiosity and interest of children, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

Alcove spaces for sensory retreat, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

The concrete roof transformed into an edible garden with waterfall and sand plays, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

A small garden with much to offer and explore, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

Wondrous Uplighter. Reflected ceiling light designed as part of overall setting, weaving by Grandpa, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

Plans and Section, Image Courtesy © CHANG Architects

Tags: Singapore

Categories: Autocad, Care Center, Child Care

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