Kiddie Express is the third branch of a children’s salon brand, located within a busy shopping mall in Dubai. Designed to accommodate both children and teenagers, the project builds upon operational and technical lessons learned from the client’s earlier outlets. The design prioritizes functionality, durability, and efficient space planning within a high-footfall commercial environment.

The spatial layout is organized to ensure clear zoning and smooth circulation. Dedicated areas support simultaneous use by young children, teenagers, parents, and staff, allowing the salon to operate efficiently during peak hours. Circulation routes were carefully considered to maintain comfort and accessibility while optimizing workflow.

The design language balances playful elements with a more mature aesthetic. Yellow and green accents introduce vibrancy, while terrazzo-patterned surfaces add visual texture without overwhelming the space. This approach broadens the salon’s appeal across age groups, creating an environment suitable for both younger children and teenagers. The overall visual identity aligns with the brand while representing a progression from previous branches.

all images courtesy of Euphoria Interiors unless stated otherwise

playful accents define the children’s hair salon interiors

Euphoria Interiors, led by designer Amanda D’Souza, selects materials guided by durability and maintenance requirements. Porcelain tiles were specified for flooring due to their resistance to wear and ease of cleaning. Finishes and surface treatments were chosen for safety, longevity, and suitability for continuous commercial use. Each material was evaluated for performance within the constraints of a mall setting, where heavy daily traffic is expected.

The execution phase required coordination with contractors and mall management, particularly in relation to commercial approval procedures. Despite time constraints associated with these processes, structured planning and contractor selection supported consistent quality and project delivery. Kiddie Express demonstrates how commercial interior design can integrate operational efficiency, age-inclusive aesthetics, and material durability within a high-traffic retail environment.

the salon is designed to serve both children and teenagers within one cohesive environment

dedicated stations accommodate children, teens, parents, and staff simultaneously | image by Inn Decor LLC

yellow and green highlights introduce energy across the salon | image by Inn Decor LLC

terrazzo-patterned surfaces add texture without dominating the space | image by Inn Decor LLC

material choices respond to the operational demands of a mall environment | image by Inn Decor LLC

the interior accommodates multiple age groups without visual conflict

finishes are selected for safety, longevity, and ease of maintenance

service zones are arranged to optimize workflow efficiency

Kiddie Express occupies a high-traffic retail unit within a Dubai shopping mall | image by Inn Decor LLC

project info:

name: Kiddie Express Kids Salon

designer: Euphoria Interiors | @euphoriainteriors.ae
lead designer: Amanda D’Souza
location: Dubai, UAE

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Concrete Utopia by designer Hyunje Joo reconfigures discarded concrete pipes into an open-ended public pavilion at the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan in South Korea. The project examines the environmental implications of concrete, one of the most widely used and carbon-intensive construction materials, and proposes reuse as a spatial and conceptual strategy.

Concrete, second only to water in global consumption, generates significant greenhouse gas emissions during production. In response to the climate crisis and the material dominance of contemporary cities, the project addresses the condition of the ‘concrete city’ through the adaptive reuse of abandoned infrastructure. Rather than introducing new materials, the installation reclaims discarded concrete pipes found in urban environments and reorganizes them into inhabitable play structures.

Pipes of varying diameters are assembled into a flexible configuration that accommodates multiple forms of occupation. The arrangement allows for climbing, sitting, circulation, and gathering, transforming industrial components into spatial devices. By retaining the original identity of the pipes while altering their function, the project shifts perception from infrastructure to architecture.

all images by Hyunje Joo

reclaimed industrial materials compose Concrete Utopia

Conceived as a micro-scale urban environment, Concrete Utopia operates as both pavilion and metaphor. Its open-ended composition avoids fixed hierarchy, enabling visitors to navigate and interpret the space in different ways. The repetitive circular geometries reference standardized construction systems while simultaneously disrupting their original purpose.

Through direct engagement with reused concrete elements, the project by designer Hyunje Joo frames urban resilience as a matter of material reconsideration and spatial reorganization. By extending the lifecycle of construction waste, Concrete Utopia positions reuse not only as an environmental strategy but also as a means of rethinking how cities are built and inhabited.

Concrete Utopia reassembles discarded concrete pipes into a public pavilion at the Museum of Contemporary Art

the installation reuses abandoned infrastructure instead of introducing newly manufactured materials

varying pipe diameters generate a layered and inhabitable spatial composition

circular geometries define the pavilion’s spatial identity

the pipes are arranged to support climbing, sitting, and gathering

industrial components are transformed into interactive urban elements

reclaimed pipes form a flexible configuration open to multiple uses

the pavilion operates as a micro-scale interpretation of the concrete city

the installation encourages physical engagement with reclaimed materials

the structures retain the raw texture and weight of concrete

open-ended arrangements avoid fixed hierarchy or prescribed routes

spatial reorganization extends the lifecycle of construction waste

Concrete Utopia positions reuse as a framework for urban resilience

project info:

name: Concrete Utopia
designer: Hyunje Joo | @hyunjejoo

location: Museum of Contemporary Art Busan, South Korea

client: Museum of Contemporary Art Busan | @moca_busan

photographer: Hyunje Joo

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Studio for New Realities shapes the new lakeside playground pavilion for Plaswijckpark in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, as an all-season destination that combines play, learning, and experimentation. It also restores a direct relationship between the park and the waterfront. During the design process, children help shape the project by voting for their favourite play equipment, contributing to a building that supports every kind of activity: playing, creating, eating, concentrating, and experimenting. The new space replaces a former theatre and restaurant complex with a multifunctional space that reconnects the historic family park to the Bergse Achterplas. 

Alongside the main pavilion, the studio designs a second, entirely open structure as its ‘little brother.’ This lightweight building provides a covered playground throughout the year. In winter, it operates as an ice rink served by the pavilion’s catering facilities. In summer, it becomes a shaded play area and event space. During spring and autumn showers, it offers a dry and sheltered refuge. A central fireplace, lighting, and enriched surrounding landscape transform this structure into a welcoming gathering point in every season.

all images Jorn van Eck

PAVILION CREATES INDOOR-OUTDOOR SYNERGIES IN ROTTERDAM PARK

After a fire destroys the park theatre in 2021, the organisation initiates plans for a new building: the pavilion. The project sets out to create an inviting indoor environment for play, learning, and experimentation that functions in every season and restores a strong relationship between the park and the waterfront. Studio for New Realities integrate the outdoor area as a fundamental part of the project, extending the experience of play beyond the building envelope. The pavilion also creates programmatic synergy by incorporating functions from the former freestanding restaurant and seasonal ice rink into a single coherent structure. Contextual integration forms a key principle for the pavilion. With its realisation, Plaswijckpark reconnects physically and visually with the lake, improves internal routing, and adds a new nature zone alongside the existing play, animal, and park zones.

the area around the pavilion opens up into a terrace and a forecourt

three volumes brought together on lakeshore

Rather than treating the pavilion as one large object, the architects divide the required volume into smaller elements that align in scale with other buildings in the park and along the water. The design relies on low-technical solutions and durable, timeless materials that blend naturally into the green shoreline. New trees and a carefully shaped natural embankment reinforce the calm character of the site. The pavilion acts as an anchor on the lakeside, while adjusted pathways establish a more logical connection between the different areas of the park. Toward the park, the building opens into an active forecourt and terrace that welcome families and encourage gathering.

A single expressive roof structure reminiscent of a tent brings together the separate volumes. This light and folded roof continues the tradition of existing park pavilions while creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The largest volumes, containing the playscape and restaurant, remain as transparent as possible to preserve open views to the lake. Generous windows, multiple doors, overhangs, and carefully placed roof openings strengthen the relationship with the surrounding landscape and allow visitors to experience changing light, weather, and seasons. Roof terraces on the first floor connect studio rooms directly to the outdoors and overlook both the park and a hidden play area. More enclosed volumes house back-of-house functions and feature carefully considered materials, such as timber facades with open joints that continue from exterior to interior and a maroon-coloured zinc roof that harmonizes with the natural setting.

large curtain walls bring the qualities of the park indoors, with seating areas all around

building in plaswijckpark reinvigorates landscape

The architects follow a usage-driven approach and design the building to facilitate and stimulate use by children and their families. Inside, playful and creative ‘activators’ shape the experience. These include an oversized stair-landing that functions as an open studio, tiered seating steps, strategically placed skylights and windows that frame specific views, a sensory nook, a book wall, a chill net, and numerous informal seating areas. These elements activate movement through the building, enhance the experience of weather and daylight, and organize the interior in an intuitive way.

The concept treats the building as a lively ‘usage machine’: a collection of diverse spaces with distinct atmospheres, strong indoor–outdoor connections, and architectural elements that actively encourage exploration. The studio organizes the pavilion as a sequence of flexible and specific spaces, including large open areas for communal use, smaller enclosed rooms for groups, and dedicated workshop and craft zones. The design allows the building to host a wide variety of activities that change with the seasons.

seasonal ice rink in the covered playground

the burning down of the theater in 2021 prompted the idea of a new pavilion

a strong indoor-outdoor connection

large voids and a play net create a sense of interaction with the floor above

strategically placed skylights and windows frame specific views

the balcony connects the inside and outside, as terrace sections and planters continue indoors

volumes provide both intimacy and generosity, surrounded by grand windows that provide a soothing outdoor feel

interior elements and openings are ‘activators’ that invite exploration and active use

ground floor plan

project info:

name: Plaswijckpark Pavilion
architects: Studio for New Realities

location: Rotterdam, Netherlands

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: claire brodka | designboom

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Circle of Life Park, also known as Chakrajeevan Udyaan in Ahmedabad, India, is a public landscape project by HSC Designs developed through site-specific analysis of climate, movement patterns, and user behavior. Early observations revealed that women, children, and senior citizens were underrepresented users of the park, primarily due to concerns around safety and accessibility. The design responds by prioritizing clarity of movement, visibility, and inclusive access as core spatial principles.

A continuous, gently winding pathway forms the primary organizational spine of the park. This loop connects a series of clearly defined activity zones while maintaining visual continuity across the site. Children’s play areas and senior citizen zones are positioned in close proximity, supported by frequent seating pockets that accommodate caregivers and other users. Open sightlines across central spaces allow for constant visual connection between family members, reducing reliance on signage or surveillance. The layout avoids blind corners and concealed areas, with soft edges and explicit transitions supporting intuitive navigation and informal oversight.

all images courtesy of HSC Designs

Designing Sustainability Through Reuse and Repair

Sustainability is embedded in the project through extensive material reuse and regeneration. More than 30,000 sqft of materials, including concrete, fired tiles, mild steel rods, bricks, tires, and timber, were reclaimed and repurposed within the park. This approach reduced the need for new material extraction and resulted in an estimated avoidance of approximately 36 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Reused concrete elements are integrated as play structures and spatial thresholds, while salvaged steel rods form trellises and lightweight frameworks. Reclaimed tiles are reassembled into durable walking surfaces, and repurposed tires and wood are used for seating and informal gathering elements.

HSC Designs Studio’s material selection emphasizes durability, repairability, and local construction logic. Concrete surfaces reveal casting textures, steel develops a controlled patina, and timber elements are detailed to accommodate wear over time. Assemblies are modular and accessible, allowing components to be repaired or replaced in place. Seating heights, handholds, and circulation widths are calibrated to support children, elderly users, wheelchairs, and strollers. Shaded seating areas are positioned through solar analysis to improve thermal comfort, while non-slip surfaces ensure safe movement throughout the park.

Circle of Life Park in Ahmedabad is a public landscape project by HSC Designs

Planting, Visibility, and Flexible Public Use

Landscape and planting are used to soften boundaries without obstructing visibility, reinforcing safety through openness rather than enclosure. The spatial configuration supports varied daily use, from walking and informal play to resting and social gathering. Vendors and community activities are accommodated through flexible clearings and circulation zones without requiring temporary modifications.

Circle of Life Park is conceived as a resilient civic landscape where spatial organization, material reuse, and long-term maintenance strategies operate together. By aligning safety, accessibility, and environmental responsibility, the project demonstrates how public parks can support social well-being while extending the life cycle of locally available materials.

the park is shaped through analysis of climate, movement, and user behavior

reused concrete elements function as play structures and thresholds

material detailing emphasizes durability and long-term repairability

children’s play areas and senior zones are positioned in close proximity

salvaged steel rods form trellises and lightweight frameworks

reclaimed tiles create durable and textured walking surfaces

over 30,000 sqft of materials were reclaimed and repurposed

dimensions and circulation support children, seniors, and mobility access

repurposed colorful tiles decorate the children’s play structures

planting softens edges while preserving visibility across spaces

the park operates as a resilient civic landscape supporting everyday use

project info:

name: Circle of Life park – Chakrajeevan Udyaan
designer: HSC Designs | @hsc_designs
location: Ahmedabad, India

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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XISUI Design breathes new life into discarded infrastructure with this Old Beijing Bus, a public children’s space on the streets of Changping District in Beijing. Set within Sanjiaodi Park, the project recycles the shell of a BK640, China’s first domestically manufactured bus, into an occupiable structure embedded into the neighborhood fabric.

The installation occupies the former site of a playground established in the 1980s. Its presence is immediate from the street, where the familiar outline of a bus body appears at a scale for children rather than traffic, positioned between mature trees and the pedestrian edge.

The BK640 entered service in 1957 and, across several decades, became a common presence on Beijing’s streets. The project draws directly from that memory through proportion and profile rather than replication. Panels, openings, and surfaces are abstracted from the original vehicle to read as fragments assembled into a playscape.

images © Hu Yihao

XISUI Design activates Sanjiaodi Park

The team at XISUI Design sites its Old Beijing Bus in Sanjiaodi Park, a threshold in the city where historic routes intersect with the modern urban fabric. The broader renovation of the park organizes circulation, water features, and open ground into a sequence of public zones tied to local geography and history.

Within this framework, XISUI was commissioned to design the children’s area. The bus-themed installation occupies a footprint that’s both visible and compact, aligning with existing sidewalks and maintaining continuity between the park and the surrounding street life.

the Old Beijing Bus transforms a historic vehicle form into a public children’s space

the interactive playscape

The Old Beijing Bus is divided by XISUI Design into two activity zones divided by a pathway marking its front and rear sections. The front section addresses younger children through lower heights and closer spacing. Climbing frames, small slides, balance elements, and tactile walls are integrated into the envelope, while fixed seating modeled on bus benches lines the perimeter for supervision and pause.

The rear section supports broader age ranges through taller ladders, ropes, paired slides, swings, and ground-based games. Equipment is distributed to encourage movement across the full length of the structure rather than concentration at a single point.

Interactive elements like voice tubes, steering wheels, and flip panels are embedded flush with steel surfaces or timber inserts. These elements sit within reach without interrupting circulation to keep the interior legible even during peak use.

the project occupies Sanjiaodi Park at the edge of an active neighborhood street

Material Assembly and Construction

Galvanized steel forms the main structural system, selected for durability in a heavily used public setting. Surfaces are finished with fluorocarbon paint, providing weather resistance while maintaining a consistent color field.

Areas of contact and seating incorporate carbonized bamboo wood. The timber introduces a warmer tactile surface against the steel frame and withstands outdoor exposure without applied coatings that would require frequent renewal.

The color palette draws from the red and white tones of the historic BK640. Applied across panels and railings, the red registers against surrounding greenery and the everyday backdrop of shops, bicycles, and passing buses.

its design draws from the BK640 bus through proportion and abstracted detailing

the structure is divided into front and rear play zones linked by a transverse path

materials include galvanized steel and carbonized bamboo

play elements are integrated directly into the steel and timber envelope

the height of the installation remains below the surrounding tree canopy

project info:

name: Old Beijing Bus: The Public Children’s Space with a Bus Theme on the Streets of Changping

architect: XISUI Design | @xisui.design

landscape: Landscape Architecture College of Beijing Forestry University, Jinglin Landscape Planning and Design Institute Co., Ltd., Cai Linghao Studio

location: Sanjiaodi Park, 15 West Government Street, Changping District, Beijing, China

project area: 300 square meters
completion: May 2024
photographer: © Hu Yihao
video: © XISUI Design

client: Beijing Changping District Urban Management Committee
lead designer: Hu Yihao
project manager: Peng Yang
design team: XISUI Design
designers: Li Zhenyang, Pan Yueqi, Wang Ding, Zhang Mai, Liu Yihe
construction: Beijing Municipal Construction Group Co., Ltd.

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Poppins Nursery School Karuizawa Kazakoshi, designed by NIKKEN SEKKEI, is a single-story wooden nursery school in Japan. Located in a highland resort area of Karuizawa, near Lake Shiozawa and Kazakoshi Park, the structure overlooks Mount Asama. The building is positioned diagonally at the center of the site to naturally separate the south-facing playground from the north-facing parking area, making use of the site’s existing slope and minimizing the need for new barriers along the western retaining wall.

The project is defined by two leaf-shaped roofs of different heights. Childcare rooms are placed beneath the lower roof, while the higher roof covers the hall and staff facilities. The floor plan is designed so that all childcare rooms face the outdoor garden, and the hall functions as the central gathering space where children engage in group activities. Large windows introduce daylight and provide views of the surrounding landscape throughout the year.

Spatial divisions rely on wooden columns rather than enclosed walls, creating a continuous interior environment that supports movement and visual connection across age groups. The six nursery rooms, grouped into zones for ages 0-2 and 3-5, feature lower ceiling heights and a smaller spatial scale suited to young children. Each room connects to the hall through column-defined openings, allowing for gradual transitions between spaces and enabling interaction between different age groups.

all images by Norihito Yamauchi

NIKKEN SEKKEI employs Timber framework and Dual Roof Planes

The design team at NIKKEN SEKKEI opts for material and environmental strategies that emphasize wood as the primary interior finish. This approach aims to create a unified atmosphere across childcare rooms, circulation zones, and the hall. High-side windows located between the two roofs supply natural light and support gravity-based ventilation during mild seasons, reducing dependency on artificial lighting and mechanical cooling.

Structurally, the project employs two simple, untwisted roof planes cut into organic, leaf-like geometries that taper toward the eaves. These roof surfaces were constructed using standard laminated timber without special curved components. Columns are slightly angled along the curve of the plan so that their intersections with beams remain nearly vertical, allowing the use of common connection hardware and reducing the need for custom structural fittings. Double timber columns (120 × 240 mm European red pine) are arranged at regular 1,820 mm intervals, corresponding to plywood module dimensions and creating a rhythmic structural grid reminiscent of loosely defined forest-like zones.

By standardizing short-span joint details and optimizing material use, the project maintains a clear structural expression while remaining efficient to construct within a limited schedule and budget. The spatial volume beneath the high roof accommodates the hall, kitchen, and staff areas, while mechanical equipment is placed in the ceiling space under the low roof to maximize usable interior area.

a leaf-shaped roof defines the low, child-scaled volumes of the nursery

the building sits on a highland site overlooking Mount Asama

organic roof geometries taper toward the eaves

wooden columns replace walls to create an open interior flow

large windows bring natural light into the hall

laminated timber is used to form the untwisted roof planes

column-defined openings allow gentle transitions between spaces

wood surfaces unify the childcare rooms and circulation areas

double timber columns create a rhythm across the interior grid

all childcare rooms face the outdoor garden

nursery rooms are divided into zones for ages 0-2 and 3-5

structural spacing corresponds to standard plywood module dimensions

mechanical equipment is placed beneath the low roof to maximize space efficiency

high-side windows between the two roof levels channel light in and out of the interior

project info:

name: Poppins Nursery School Karuizawa Kazakoshi
architect: Nikken Sekkei Ltd | @nikkensekkei_global
location: Karuizawa, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

site area: 2699.04 sqm

total floor area: 494.46 sqm

contractor: Seibu Construction Co., Ltd.

photographer: Norihito Yamauchi

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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At the Morris Houses in the Bronx, an underutilized concrete bleacher has been transformed into a vibrant hub of activity known as the Common Corner. Co-designed by multidisciplinary studio The Urban Conga in collaboration with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and, most importantly, the residents themselves, the project breathes new life into a space that had fallen into disuse over decades. This community-led revitalization serves as a flexible gathering place designed to foster multigenerational connection and open-ended play.

the installation encourages social connection within the space

community-led design process in the bronx

The Urban Conga facilitated the design through a series of workshops using play methodologies, creating a safe environment for residents to share their dreams and stories. This participatory process ensured the final design was a direct reflection of the community’s identity. The site is now organized into three interconnected zone — social, active, and fantasy play — each catering to different needs. From accessible seating with grab bars to a stage-like platform for storytelling and performance, the space balances physical exercise with social rest and imaginative expression.

the project is intended to spotlight the space and catalyze further investment in the surrounding space

art and design playscape

Visually, the Common Corner is tied together by a forced-perspective mural that wraps around the structure, signaling a growing and evolving vision for the development. The upper section features reflective, color-changing mirrors and perforated panels for community-created paracord art, making the environment dynamic and shifting. Adding a layer of local pride, the risers are inscribed with affirmations chosen by the residents, such as ‘Dream Big’ and ‘Stronger Together,’ turning the site into a permanent source of encouragement.

an open-ended design allows the space to adapt to a range of activities

Part of NYCHA’s Connected Communities program, the Common Corner is a testament to the power of resident-led design. By transforming a static piece of infrastructure into a social landmark, the project demonstrates how public-private partnerships can modernize open spaces while strengthening the social fabric of the neighborhood.

‘Common Corner represents what we can achieve when residents’ voices are truly heard,‘ said Regina Carter, President of the Morris Houses Residents Association. ‘For years, these bleachers sat empty, but through this project, they’ve been transformed into something beautiful and meaningful for everyone. A place where young people, older adults, and families alike can meet and play. For us, this is more than a space to sit; it’s a space to come together, to play, and to celebrate our community.‘

zones for active play, including a climbing wall

the installation is organized into zones that encourage social, active, and imaginative play

reflective color-changing mirrors reflect and refract the surrounding environment

phrases of affirmations chosen by the community line the work

perforated panels wrap the existing fence, creating a framework for future paracord artworks

the mural guides movement across the steps, encouraging varied paths and ways of experiencing it

the space serves as an entryway into the Morris House community

the design wraps up and over the existing steps to encourage more is to come to the space

project info:

name: Common Corner
designer: The Urban Conga

The post the urban conga revitalizes common corner playscape in bronx, NYC appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Fuzhou ESUO Future Kindergarten by Dika Architectural Design Center in Fuzhou, China, reimagines early childhood education through a playful, irregularly shaped building crowned with a rooftop astronaut sculpture. The structure transforms traditional kindergarten layouts into a three-dimensional exploration system that spans from ground level to corridors and rooftops. Corridors function as all-weather adventure paths, while each floor becomes

an interactive playground. The astronaut sculpture atop the building serves as a visual and conceptual anchor, inviting children to imagine themselves as cosmic explorers while reinforcing the theme of ‘exploring the universe.’ 

all images by Fuzhou MOMENT VISION Photography Studio and Gao Xin

Fuzhou ESUO Future Kindergarten serves as a ‘Third Teacher’

Rejecting conventional layouts where toys and activities are secondary, the team at Dika Architectural Design Center emphasizes child-friendliness: respecting natural curiosity without indulgence, encouraging imagination without flamboyance, and ensuring safety without restriction. Circulation routes, interactive zones, and flexible spaces allow children to explore intuitively, developing a sense of self and engagement with the unknown. The architecture itself functions as a ‘third teacher,’ guiding movement, perception, and imaginative play.

The building’s irregular geometry presented construction challenges. Arched outdoor spaces and curved ramps required precise casting, careful surface polishing, and close collaboration between design and construction teams. Fuzhou’s rainy climate added further complexity, yet the team successfully maintained playful forms while meeting strict safety standards. Key features include corridors designed as narrative ‘interstellar plank roads,’ fluid spatial arrangements that integrate classrooms with activity zones, and the rooftop astronaut sculpture that transforms every upward glance into a moment of imaginative engagement.

the playful shaped building is crowned with a rooftop astronaut sculpture

the structure transforms traditional kindergarten layouts into a three-dimensional exploration system

each floor becomes an interactive playground

circulation routes, interactive zones, and flexible spaces allow children to explore intuitively

the design respects natural curiosity and encourages imagination

stairs, ramps, platforms and slides complete the playful project

the architecture itself functions as a ‘third teacher’

arched outdoor spaces and curved ramps required precise casting

colorful zones enhance the vibrant character of the project

the building’s irregular geometry presented construction challenges

the rooftop astronaut sculpture that transforms every upward glance into a moment of imaginative engagement

project info:

name: Fuzhou ESUO Future Kindergarten

architects: Dika Architectural Design Center

chief architect: Wang Junbao Chief
designers: Tan Huimin, Tian Jiabin, Ou Jiyong, Fu Huiming, Chen Jian

participating designers: Yang Ming, Lu Qingyin, Kuang Wensheng, Gao Xin, Wang Bingxi, Wan Lisha, Ma Lu, Ji Xiaorui, Tang Shengyan, Wang Mudan, Yang Xinrong, Cui Yingnan, Huo Liangyue, Liu Xiaoyu

location: Fuzhou, Fujian

area: 9,646 sqm

brand design: Jianshan studio, Hou Geng

construction drawing deepening: Wang Peng, Li Jing, Chen Guanyu, Tao Hexin, Shi Wenlan, Gao Juan Structural design: Fujian Xumuli Construction Engineering Co., Ltd.

photography team: Fuzhou MOMENT VISION Photography Studio, Gao Xin

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom

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Located in the northern districts of Marseille, France, Les Fabriques is a school complex by Brenac & Gonzalez & Associés designed as a compact, climate-responsive structure built from solid stone. Positioned on a constrained plot within the Littorale urban development zone, the project integrates a nursery school and an elementary school, each with dedicated reception areas, circulation routes, and naturally lit and ventilated classrooms.

The design adopts a vertical strategy that consolidates program elements in order to free ground space for the preschool playground. Additional outdoor areas for the elementary school, like playgrounds, gardens, and educational terraces, are arranged in a stepped configuration rising to the roof. At the request of the City of Marseille, the rooftop accommodates a sports facility that includes half a basketball court, an athletics track, and a tensile mesh structure reminiscent of a catamaran sail. This upper-level program extends the building’s public role by serving as a neighborhood gathering space outside school hours.

stone volumes form the school’s compact urban massing | all images by Sergio Grazia unless stated otherwise

Thick Stone facade and Terraced Volumes Form School Landscape

BGA’s design team defines the complex as a ‘landscape building,’ composed of interlocking mineral volumes that follow the site’s topography. The massing generates sheltered interstitial spaces used as open-air classrooms, performance areas, and gardens. These spaces contribute to climatic comfort while supporting biodiversity, including bird habitats. The overall morphology responds to local environmental conditions, like strong mistral winds, high solar exposure, and recurrent heatwaves, by creating a sequence of protected, navigable zones throughout the school.

The building envelope is constructed from solid stone sourced from the Beaulieu quarry. Blocks measuring 20 to 45 cm thick provide thermal inertia and long-term durability. Deep overhangs and the stone’s material density moderate heat gain, stabilizing interior temperatures across classrooms and corridors. Stone and concrete are used together as a hybrid structural system, balancing mass with structural efficiency.

tiered outdoor terraces connect learning spaces across levels

Daily Function and Public Access organize School’s Spatial layout

Attention to daily use is reflected in design details such as a continuous line of coat hooks inspired by Osvaldo Cavandoli, which introduces a clear and legible orientation device for children. Circulation is organized to support calm movement and supervision within the school, addressing both functional and safety requirements in this part of the city. Brenac & Gonzalez & Associes’ project was carried out in close coordination with Euroméditerranée and the City of Marseille, who supported program adjustments, including the integration of the rooftop sports facility, and facilitated experimentation with construction methods. The building also participates in the city’s ‘À nous les toits’ initiative, allowing use by local associations and residents outside school hours.

Les Fabriques demonstrates how solid stone construction, compact massing, and tiered outdoor spaces can be combined to achieve climatic resilience within dense urban conditions. The project establishes a protective and adaptable environment for education while contributing a durable architectural presence to Marseille’s northern districts.

deep overhangs in solid stone provide passive solar protection

the preschool playground occupies the site’s open central area

interlocking blocks create sheltered courtyards and passageways

stone facades emphasize durability and thermal inertia

the stone cores were reused in the construction of the wall

Les Fabriques’ solid stone construction and tiered outdoor spaces achieve climatic resilience

project info:

name: Les Fabriques

architect: Brenac & Gonzalez & Associés | @brenacgonzalezassocies

area: 3575 sqm

location: Marseille, France

project architect: Jean-Pierre Lévêque

project managers: Julien Gonin and Arnaud Ladauge

landscape design: MOZ Landscape

client: Euroméditerranée – Établissement Public d’Aménagement – Marseille

engineering: ACV/AGS (VRD) / ALTO (Electrical Engineering, Fluids & Climate Engineering, Environmental Engineering) / Bollingher&Grohmann (Structure) / ENVISOL (Pollution Control)/ – F BOUGON (Eco)

construction: Eiffage

stonework: PROROCH

photographer: Sergio Grazia | @sergio.grazia, Stefan Tuchila | @stefan.tuchila

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post interlocking stone volumes sculpt layered school complex by brenac & gonzalez & associés appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Vo Trong Nghia Architects – VTN has completed Nuoc Ui School in Tra Mai commune, Nam Tra My district, a remote mountainous region in Central Vietnam. The project provides an educational facility for an ethnic minority community living across steep terrain and a climate characterized by frequent storms and heavy rainfall. Funded primarily by the Midas Foundation, with windows and doors sponsored by Tostem, the school is conceived as a durable and locally adapted structure. The design prioritizes the preservation of the existing landscape and establishes a clear relationship between the built environment and the surrounding forested mountains. Classrooms and supporting buildings are arranged to open toward these natural views, while a central courtyard is oriented to overlook the valley. The architectural layout emphasizes openness, natural light, and environmental responsiveness.

Built from rammed earth and bamboo, the project embraces local materials and the surrounding forested landscape, opening its classrooms toward sweeping valley views. Simple yet robust, the architecture forms a sheltered courtyard and a semi-indoor playground that support learning in all seasons. With passive ventilation, deep eaves, and a layout shaped by nature, the school stands as a quiet but powerful response to place, a modest structure with an enduring spirit.

all images by Trieu Chien

Nuoc Ui School Establishes Nature-Connected Educational Space

Architectural practice Vo Trong Nghia Architects – VTN positions locally sourced materials at the foundation of the school project. Rammed earth walls and bamboo roofing reduce transportation demands and environmental impact while maintaining a direct connection to regional building traditions. These materials also support the structural requirements of the sloped site and provide resilience against heavy rainfall. Deep roof eaves are incorporated to protect the earthen walls and extend the building’s lifespan. The school is organized around an internal courtyard, with classrooms connected to a forecourt through a semi-indoor playground. This arrangement forms a continuous sequence of spaces for learning, play, and group activities. The semi-indoor playground, located between two classrooms, offers a sheltered play area that remains usable during rainy periods.

Large, symmetrically placed windows provide natural ventilation and daylighting, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. Combined with buffer zones such as covered corridors and deep eaves, the ventilation strategy helps maintain a stable indoor environment suited to the region’s humid tropical climate. These transitional spaces also function as areas for informal activities and interaction. Nuoc Ui School presents an architectural approach grounded in local materials, climatic conditions, and community needs. Its modest scale and clear structural system support long-term durability, while its arrangement of interconnected indoor and outdoor spaces establishes a learning environment closely aligned with its natural context.

Nuoc Ui School sits within a remote mountainous region of Central Vietnam

the school is designed to withstand frequent storms and heavy rainfall

classrooms open toward surrounding forested mountains

rammed earth and bamboo define the project’s material approach

a central courtyard is oriented to capture expansive valley views

deep eaves protect earthen walls from rain and extend the structure’s lifespan

local materials reduce environmental impact and support regional building traditions

large, symmetrical windows provide daylight and natural ventilation

the design responds directly to the region’s humid tropical climate

project info:

name: Nuoc Ui School
architects: Vo Trong Nghia Architects VTN | @vtnarchitects_votrongnghia

lead architect: Vo Trong Nghia

location: Nam Tra My, Quang Nam, Vietnam

area: 295.5 sqm

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post vo trong nghia builds school from rammed earth and bamboo in mountain region of vietnam appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.