#PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS
adam wiercinski uses container frames and grid to build modular kids city
polish architect adam wiercinski used recycled container frames and grid organization to build ‘kids city’, a modular kindergarten.
the school functions like a small town, including elements such as a main street, alleys, and connected common spaces with scattered houses between them. although container frames are the basic module for the ‘city’, appearance was dictated by how children typically imagine buildings–small ‘cottages’ with sloping roofs.
the entire structure is compiled of individual branches. a single branch is designed for 25 children and has 95m2 of floor area. the unit contains a multi-purpose room, toilets, changing quarters, technical room and storage space. on the plot, in addition to the four children’s branches are several other ‘cottages’ including: administrative offices, kitchen facilities, and an exercise room. these buildings remain visually differentiated from the childrens’ buildings by a different roof shape and façade materials. they resemble factories, rather than huts, and are arranged in rows at the entrance to the property. supplies and visiting parents must enter through an adult unit, and may only access the children through a staff monitored door.
open spaces of the complex are filled with terraces and gardens with greenhouses and crops, where children learn basic ecology. during breaks, they can play on the playground or participate in performances on the ‘city’s’ stage. childrens’ branches are connected by the hall–street– area, which aside from movement also provides additional floor space. container frames are organized in a two-story grid with three specific frame sizes. different sizing and modularity allows the possibility of any variable building arrangement, adapted to the needs and developments in the school. the complex totals 1770m2, including 940m2 floor area, which can be arbitrarily increased or decreased.
