FROM AN UNDEFINED LANDSCAPE TO PLAYFUL AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT A PROTECTIVE RING RING IS CREATED AS A KINTERGATEN IN TAKA TOLOO, FINLAND.
“Hortus Conclusus” is a Latin term, meaning literally “enclosed garden”. At their root, both of the words in hortus conclusus refer linguistically to enclosure. It describes a genre of garden that was enclosed as a practical concern, a major theme in the history of gardening.
LANDSCAPE ADAPTATION The Taka Toolo Kindergarten gives a unique sense of unity and, through its sensitive adaption to the landscape, gives it a sense of completion, as if it was always there. Through this gesture, a protective ring is created, around a garden that can be used by the children and contemplated by the visitors. Inclusion, of both the urban and natural environment, presents itself as a main point in the definition of an organic but solid volumetry that does not seek to separate, but rather merges different dimensions. By connecting the lowest and the highest point of the plot this project seeks to achieve the capacity of being a merging platform between the city, the park and the villa. This creates the opportunity to split the interior program into two dimensions: a level behind the villa, directly connected to the exterior in all its moments, and a level that connects the building to the park.
PROGRAMMATIC ORGANIZATION The entrance level is dedicated to the children’s domain. Three flexible big rooms, which can be subdivided in smaller areas (up to 5 partitions each) are all independently served by wet areas and toilets. Easy and direct connection to the exterior is the shared characteristic of all these rooms. The spaces located in the southern area of the building have a direct visual connection with the rock, as if the shape of the building is inviting the rock itself inside, and making it an internal wall. All the activity rooms for children are reached through a path that faces the inner courtyard and where more informal activities and gatherings can take place. Along this path is a ramp which connects directly with the dining area. This connection follows the shape of the building and creates an interactive path for the children, from where they can contemplate the interior garden. In addition to this connection, the upper floor can be reached from other two cores. This level has most of the services and technical areas facing the northern area of the plot, the staff facilities are placed precisely to enjoy the views over the Villa Bravala and the common areas.
YARD AREAS External areas are extremely diverse and easily connected with the interior all around the building. All the entrances are designed in order to create a niche able to accommodate the visitors before entering the building and also a space is reserved where children and visitors can leave the shoes used in the exterior. The largest yard area is fenced and placed around the outside of the outer ring of the building. Different activities can take place in these areas, given its flexible character, without compromising differentiated areas for playing and snacking. Inside this bigger yard is reserved an area for children under 3 years old, with a lower fence. The inner courtyard, inside the inner ring of the building gives shape to a space of contemplation, between manmade and natural. Since it is enclosed in between the building and the rock this is a calmer area than the previous one, and can be used as an auditorium, learning area and art display. One last moment, related with the park, is established in the upper level. Under the roof shell
“Hortus Conlusus” has a clear vision: to offer an interactive and pedagogical daily routine for the children, to merge the different dimensions in its surroundings and to open itself to the surrounding residents. The dream is to create an institution that stimulates curiosity, awakes excitement and where all feel at home.
FROM AN UNDEFINED LANDSCAPE TO PLAYFUL AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT A PROTECTIVE RING RING IS CREATED AS A KINTERGATEN IN TAKA TOLOO, FINLAND.
“Hortus Conclusus” is a Latin term, meaning literally “enclosed garden”. At their root, both of the words in hortus conclusus refer linguistically to enclosure. It describes a genre of garden that was enclosed as a practical concern, a major theme in the history of gardening.
LANDSCAPE ADAPTATION The Taka Toolo Kindergarten gives a unique sense of unity and, through its sensitive adaption to the landscape, gives it a sense of completion, as if it was always there. Through this gesture, a protective ring is created, around a garden that can be used by the children and contemplated by the visitors. Inclusion, of both the urban and natural environment, presents itself as a main point in the definition of an organic but solid volumetry that does not seek to separate, but rather merges different dimensions. By connecting the lowest and the highest point of the plot this project seeks to achieve the capacity of being a merging platform between the city, the park and the villa. This creates the opportunity to split the interior program into two dimensions: a level behind the villa, directly connected to the exterior in all its moments, and a level that connects the building to the park.
PROGRAMMATIC ORGANIZATION The entrance level is dedicated to the children’s domain. Three flexible big rooms, which can be subdivided in smaller areas (up to 5 partitions each) are all independently served by wet areas and toilets. Easy and direct connection to the exterior is the shared characteristic of all these rooms. The spaces located in the southern area of the building have a direct visual connection with the rock, as if the shape of the building is inviting the rock itself inside, and making it an internal wall. All the activity rooms for children are reached through a path that faces the inner courtyard and where more informal activities and gatherings can take place. Along this path is a ramp which connects directly with the dining area. This connection follows the shape of the building and creates an interactive path for the children, from where they can contemplate the interior garden. In addition to this connection, the upper floor can be reached from other two cores. This level has most of the services and technical areas facing the northern area of the plot, the staff facilities are placed precisely to enjoy the views over the Villa Bravala and the common areas.
YARD AREAS External areas are extremely diverse and easily connected with the interior all around the building. All the entrances are designed in order to create a niche able to accommodate the visitors before entering the building and also a space is reserved where children and visitors can leave the shoes used in the exterior. The largest yard area is fenced and placed around the outside of the outer ring of the building. Different activities can take place in these areas, given its flexible character, without compromising differentiated areas for playing and snacking. Inside this bigger yard is reserved an area for children under 3 years old, with a lower fence. The inner courtyard, inside the inner ring of the building gives shape to a space of contemplation, between manmade and natural. Since it is enclosed in between the building and the rock this is a calmer area than the previous one, and can be used as an auditorium, learning area and art display. One last moment, related with the park, is established in the upper level. Under the roof shell
“Hortus Conlusus” has a clear vision: to offer an interactive and pedagogical daily routine for the children, to merge the different dimensions in its surroundings and to open itself to the surrounding residents. The dream is to create an institution that stimulates curiosity, awakes excitement and where all feel at home.
