Annual Ring: A Unique Learning Space for Children

A World Designed for Kids to Learn, Play, and Grow

This one-of-a-kind design, created by Lycent Lai, is a world designed specifically for children. It provides a space where they can freely move, play, think, and grow while learning about themselves and others. The uniqueness of Annual Ring lies in its ability to create such a structure within a residential setting. From a perspective of promoting children's intellectual development, this design holds great practical significance in providing a high-quality, vibrant, and secure activity space for children.

The realization of Annual Ring involved the use of architectural technology to create spatial patterns that contrast with and highlight the main building. This presented a challenge in terms of construction, as it required a new approach that bridged the gap between architecture and interior design.

The specifications of Annual Ring include a diameter of 3 meters and a height of 4.8 meters. The first floor stands at a height of 2.5 meters, while the second floor is 2.3 meters high. The width of the stairs is 0.9 meters.

Located in Shanghai, the project began in March 2017 and was completed in March 2018. The design was inspired by nature and traditional Chinese thoughts, with a focus on the growth of trees and the symbolism of annual rings representing the passage of time. This project is a testament to creative thinking and the meaning of life, as the designers poured their hearts and best wishes into its realization.

One of the main challenges faced during the construction of Annual Ring was finding workers experienced in handling architectural designs that are rarely seen in residential settings. It took considerable time and effort to select and communicate with the right companies, but the project was successfully completed in the end.

Annual Ring was designed for the underground floor of a villa project, where the owners wanted to create an independent learning space for their children. To make the most of the over 5-meter-high space without making it feel oppressive or cramped, the designer opted for a circular double-layered space around the stairs, rather than covering the mezzanine extensively.

Images:

Image #1: Creator Lycent Lai, Annual Ring, 2018

Image #2: Creator Lycent Lai, Annual Ring, 2018

Image #3: Creator Lycent Lai, Annual Ring, 2018

Image #4: Creator Lycent Lai, Annual Ring, 2018

Image #5: Creator Lycent Lai, Annual Ring, 2018

Awards and Accolades:

This design was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the A' Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2019. The Iron A' Design Award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, these designs provide fulfillment and evoke positive feelings, contributing to a better world.