Pod House: A Unique Kindergarten Design

Creating a Fun and Functional Space for Children

The Pod House, designed by Liben Design Office, is a kindergarten project located in Xuhui district, Shanghai. Inspired by the lively nature of children, the design aims to provide a space that satisfies their curiosity and taps into their potential for sports and exploration.

The Pod House is a unique and innovative design that transforms an abandoned laundry into a vibrant and engaging space for children. The project is located in a small venue, which posed a challenge in outlining a fun and functional space. However, the designers at Liben Design Office managed to create a design that maximizes the potential of the limited area.

The roof of the Pod House features pod-shaped structures, which not only add visual interest but also serve a practical purpose. A circular roof track and playground provide ample space for children to engage in physical activities. The designers have also incorporated skylights into the roof, ensuring that the space is well-lit and inviting.

One of the standout features of the Pod House is the circular skylights that serve as glass paths for children to explore. These skylights, along with the various round holes and the use of stainless steel, create a blurred boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design choice adds a sense of dimension and intrigue to the space, making it visually stimulating for children.

The Pod House covers an area of 120 square meters and is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the design team. Despite the constraints of the original building and the surrounding environment, the designers managed to create a space that not only meets the functional requirements of a kindergarten but also provides a visually appealing and engaging environment for children to learn and play.

The Pod House project started in January 2018 and was completed in August 2019. It is a prime example of urban renewal and the effective transformation and utilization of existing spaces. By repurposing an abandoned laundry, the designers were able to provide a much-needed extension of functions and additional space for the kindergarten.

The Pod House design has received recognition for its innovation and creativity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills and contribute to improving the quality of life.

The Pod House is a testament to the power of design in creating functional and engaging spaces for children. With its unique features and thoughtful design, it provides a nurturing environment for young minds to grow and explore.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Liben Design Office
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Lei Dong, Pod House, 2019. Image #2: Photographer Lei Dong, Pod House, 2019. Image #3: Photographer Lei Dong, Pod House, 2019. Image #4: Photographer Lei Dong, Pod House, 2019. Image #5: Photographer Lei Dong, Pod House, 2019.
Project Team Members: Qian Li Nicolas Bai Fang He Huifang Sun Yinmei Li Jiawei Tian
Project Name: Pod House
Project Client: Liben Design Office


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