Misora Kindergarten Renovation

Renovating a Kindergarten to Create Vibrant and Safe Spaces for Children

The Misora Kindergarten renovation project was driven by the client's need for seismic strengthening and regeneration of the existing facility. Yoshitaka Uchino and his team at YDS Architects approached the project with the goal of reimagining the spaces through partial renovations, focusing on the nursery rooms, gyms, lavatories, and corridors. Despite the constraints of time and budget, the team was able to implement effective solutions that not only improved the safety of the kindergarten but also enhanced its overall functionality.

One of the key features of the renovation was the addition of a small extension volume and a tiny wall to the existing building. This strategic addition significantly increased the seismic strength of the structure, raising its Is structure score from 0.78 to 0.95 (with safe scores being over 0.6). Additionally, the lavatory facilities were improved, striking a balance between safety and functionality.

What sets this renovation apart is its focus on creating a new identity for the kindergarten. The design team aimed to not only make the facility earthquake-resistant but also to provide a fresh and exciting experience for the children. By renewing the colors and materials during the summer vacation, the kindergarten underwent a transformation that delighted the young students. Children exclaimed, "Our kindergarten became a castle!" and wondered, "In which color will the spaces be next time?" This approach of partial renovations under strict restrictions allowed for the creation of new values and spaces within the kindergarten.

The corridors of the kindergarten were redesigned to resemble Engawa spaces, which are semi-outdoor areas commonly found in Japanese architecture. Previously, the corridors had exposed concrete surfaces. To enliven these spaces, the design team added a soft cushion layer to the surface, reminiscent of grasslands, and painted it green. The ceilings were painted blue, resembling the sky. These changes aimed to create vibrant and comfortable spaces for the children.

The Misora Kindergarten renovation project had a site area of 1632sqm, with a total floor area of 943sqm. The structure of the building was reinforced concrete. The project was completed in June 2015 in Tokyo, Japan, with construction taking place in Chiba, Japan, from July to August 2015.

Yoshitaka Uchino and his team conducted extensive research on seismic strengthening techniques for schools and kindergartens before embarking on the design process. They aimed to add as few walls as possible to maintain a conducive environment for the children. The choice of materials for the outdoor corridors was carefully considered, with vinyl cushions selected for their safety and appeal to children's senses of cuteness and nature.

The Misora Kindergarten renovation project faced several challenges, including the need to meet high earthquake resistance standards while working within strict cost and time constraints. To address these challenges, the design team opted for a small extension to enhance both functionality and structural strength. By adding just 8.9sqm to the building volume and incorporating a small wall, the kindergarten was significantly reinforced.

Yoshitaka Uchino's approach to renovations is centered around creating new values and spaces through partial design interventions. His vision is to transform existing spaces into something special by leveraging the given context. The Misora Kindergarten renovation exemplifies this approach, resulting in vibrant and comfortable spaces that cater to the needs of young children.

The Misora Kindergarten renovation project was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2017. This prestigious accolade recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The project's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and contribution to a better world earned it this esteemed recognition.