Made out of steel, concrete, and glass, this modern-looking kindergarten in China is reminiscent of a kaleidoscope, "as the entire space is constantly changing." Built by SAKO Architects, the kindergarten that's located in Tianshui, China features 483 pieces of colored glass that come in ten different colors. Placed above the glass doors, windows, and the handrails of corridors and stairs, the interior lights up in various shades as soon as sunlight hits the windows. By contrast, in the nighttime, the exterior is beautifully lit up by the light coming through the colorful glass from the inside.
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This colorful kindergarten in China was built this January
Image credits: SAKO Architects
The architects of the building write that in the daytime when the sunlight pours into the classrooms through the colored glass, it forms colorful lights and shadows, evoking children's creativity and imagination. While when darkness falls, glowing lights emitted from the interior of the building create an "impressive night scene."
Image credits: SAKO Architects
Hundreds of rainbow-colored glasses emit an impression of a rotating kaleidoscope
Image credits: SAKO Architects
Another design feature is that all the openings in the kindergarten are arched, taking inspiration from the traditional cave-like form of dwelling in the Loess Plateau, where the building is located. The architect company that built it says that the arched windows that come in different sizes and various positions make the architectural creation look like a birthday cake.
Image credits: SAKO Architects
The glass panels come in ten different colors
Image credits: SAKO Architects
Yet another characteristic of the building is the multi-functional atrium which is equipped with floor heating and air conditioning system. "This space can function for various activities in different seasons," the architects write. While the glass ceiling above this three-story atrium allows natural light to come in, the windows around it can be opened and closed for ventilation or heat-trapping during the cold months.
Image credits: SAKO Architects
When the sunlight comes through the colored glass, it forms colorful lights and shadows
Image credits: SAKO Architects
Handrails of the corridors and stairs that encircle the entire atrium are also decorated with colorful glass. As the light passes through these brightly-colored glasses, it forms colored shadows of various shapes. When they overlap with each other, it creates completely new and different colors from the original ten ones.
Image credits: SAKO Architects
While during the dark, the lights emitted from the interior create a beautiful night scene
Image credits: SAKO Architects
To top it all, the architects have installed a safe playground on top of the roof for children to enjoy the beautiful broad view of Tianshui City. "When the children grow up, they will also remember such spectacular scenery and be proud of their hometown," the architects write.
Image credits: SAKO Architects
And the rooftop of the kindergarten that overlooks Tianshui city is a safe playground for kids
Image credits: SAKO Architects
It appears that people on the internet loved the idea for this colorful kindergarten. "I’m in love," one woman comments on Facebook. "[This] concept reminds me of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona," someone notes. However, not everyone finds the building pretty. "Nothing from nature anywhere, sad for the children," one man comments. What do you think of it?