Micro-House Kindergarten in Saga, Japan

Looking for early education environment & architecture inspiration? In this article, we’ll look at this project to see how it aligns with early education philosophy, how the design facilitates learning, the activities that would suit these spaces and we’ll look at how you can use elements of the design as inspiration for your own service.

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Brief Overview of the Project

The Japanese studio Hibinosekkei introduced a small wooden playhouse within a kindergarten located in the city of Saga. This playhouse, named “Ouchi” (translating to “small house” in Japanese), is designed to encourage independent domestic role play among the children. The 15-square-metre space is constructed entirely of unfinished pine and features toy versions of typical household amenities. The design includes a child-sized kitchen, laundry area, and a wood burner, allowing children to mimic tasks commonly performed in a family home.

Alignment with Montessori, Steiner, or Reggio Principles

  1. Encouraging Independent Play: The design of the playhouse promotes independent domestic role play, which aligns with the Montessori principle of fostering independence in children.
  2. Engagement with Real-world Activities: The inclusion of toy versions of household amenities and the opportunity for children to mimic household chores align with the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes real-world, hands-on experiences.
  3. Connection with Nature: The use of natural materials like pine and the design that allows natural light to flood the space resonates with Steiner’s Waldorf education principle of maintaining a close connection with nature.

How the Design Facilitates Learning

  • Natural Lighting: The half-open gabled roof with exposed trusses allows natural light to illuminate the space, creating a conducive environment for learning.
  • Engagement with the Outside: Windows on the facade enable children to interact with the rest of the nursery, promoting social interaction and observational learning.
  • Exposure to Construction: Hibinosekkei involved the kindergarten children during the construction phase, allowing them to learn about carpentry and the building process.

How the Design Helps Teachers Create Inspiring Lessons

  • Monitoring without Interference: The design allows teachers to observe play without unnecessary intrusion, enabling them to understand children’s interests and tailor lessons accordingly.
  • Versatile Spaces: The playhouse includes areas like a raised platform for reading and play, and a kitchen worktop for pretend meal preparation, offering diverse settings for varied lessons.

Activities and Lessons Suited for this Space

  1. Domestic Role Play: Children can engage in role-playing activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry, mimicking household chores.
  2. Storytelling Sessions: The raised area can be used for reading sessions, where children can gather around and listen to stories.
  3. Construction and Carpentry Workshops: Given the children’s exposure to the construction process, teachers can organize workshops teaching basic carpentry skills or understanding building materials.

How Other Teachers Could Use Elements of This Design in Their Kindergarten Environment Planning

  1. Incorporate Natural Materials: Using materials like wood can create a warm and welcoming environment conducive to learning.
  2. Design for Observation: Creating spaces where teachers can observe without directly intervening can help in understanding children’s interests and needs.
  3. Promote Hands-on Learning: Introducing real-world elements, like toy versions of household items, can encourage experiential learning and better engagement.

In conclusion, the micro-house kindergarten design by Hibinosekkei offers a unique blend of natural aesthetics and functional spaces that promote independent play, hands-on learning, and close observation. This design serves as an inspiration for educators looking to create a holistic and engaging learning environment for young children.

Location

Japan

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