Dich Vong Hau Kindergarten

Description:
Built in a suburban area with a low construction density and population, now in the process of urban exploration and expansion, this 20-year-old school was renovated for people’s needs according to contemporary land use planning standards and new teaching and learning requirements of the inner city.On a 6540 sqm estimated area, the old building— including a 2-story classroom block with 10 classrooms and some additional functions — was somewhat dilapidated. The teaching and learning facilities are still lacking; the architectural structures remain monotonous and do not cater to the psychological needs of the student's age group. The functional layout is outdated, irrational, and lacks indoor and outdoor play spaces, especially ecological values and green spaces for children and the urban area.With the philosophy of "students as the center," the proposed idea was to keep the existing building structure and use the steel frame structure covered with plastic wood on the rooftop to increase the height to 3 floors. Additionally, to build 2 new 4-story blocks on the west side. This new and old mixed-use solution creates a playground core that is safe and acts as a large skylight at the center of the school, promoting natural ventilation across the floors. In these 2 blocks, restrooms, warehouses, and corridors are arranged at the front to isolate direct noise for the classrooms behind, and to gain the disinfection of the restroom while creating a sunshade for the classroom.The classroom spaces were rearranged, increasing the original size by 1.5 times. They have new optimal ventilation and natural light through the system of windows and the enclosed playground inside. Each classroom is designed as a villa with 3-4 open sides, surrounded by a green garden with natural ventilation, avoiding sunlight and cold wind in winter. Restrooms and balconies are organized in the west to insulate the classroom. Other support functions are on the 4th floor - the highest floor to prioritize the arrangement of classrooms suitable for preschool psychophysiology on the lower floor.The philosophy of "Learning through exchange" and "Encouraging movement - learning through play and playing through learning" is conveyed when designing dedicated playground spaces suitable for each age group, gender, and individual personality of the students. The idea of maximizing greenery on higher floors, creating a fun learning playground for students developing the ecological factor for the project. Additionally, it enhances the ability to counter thermal radiation and creates more ecological green spaces for the city's overall landscape. The rooftop garden, once operational, is estimated to be able to supply approximately 50-80% of the school's vegetable needs.The application of modern technology and advanced, efficient, environmentally friendly materials is emphasized in the project. Regarding the main structure of the construction, the new building utilizes a characteristic beamless floor system, allowing for spacious and flexible partitioned spaces while maintaining cost-effectiveness. The corridors use a high-tech precast steel frame system. The roof framework adopts a precast steel structure with artificial wood cladding, which is both environmentally friendly and sustainable.For the exterior materials, plastic wood is used on the façade to provide shade for the new building and also serves as a decorative element for the renovated block, creating a cohesive overall appearance for the entire project. The fences and outdoor steps use eco-friendly and durable wood-concrete. These materials are all new and highly recyclable.The design aims to ensure the standard of facilities according to the requirements of educational innovation, suitable for the psychophysiology of preschool students, approaching the philosophy of educational innovation, regional and international advanced education. At the same time, it achieved energy-saving values for not only the building itself but also contributed to the surrounding community with economical construction investment costs and a reasonable public investment budget.

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