MJK Kindergarten Invites Children to Appreciate Nature With Its Architectural Design

MJK Kindergarten is a renovation project of an old kindergarten in Moji, a collaboration between HIBINOSEKKEI, Youji no Shiro, and KIDS DESIGN LABO. The 241-capacity school is designed to build harmony with nature, prioritizing children's experience with nature through open building facilities and landscapes, utilizing the existing topography to create a dynamic play space that supports children's development.

Courtesy of KIDS DESIGN LABO

The kindergarten is located in Kitakyushu City, Japan, which is geographically surrounded by the sea in the north and mountains in the southern region. The renovation was a physical renovation and a transformation of the building concept to be closer to nature. The project successfully utilized the rich natural surroundings for the children's learning experience. In particular, the nearby “Midori Valley” influenced the playground design, which has a height difference of more than 3 meters. This design adjustment allows children to move freely, explore, and develop their motor skills. 

Courtesy of KIDS DESIGN LABO

Courtesy of KIDS DESIGN LABO

Courtesy of KIDS DESIGN LABO

In an effort to bring children closer to nature, the playground, which is the most attractive area for them, is designed to be full of natural elements and surrounded by lush trees. This blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. 

The children's classrooms are designed to face the playground in an L-shaped configuration that allows easy access for them to spend time while appreciating the interaction with nature. The exterior corridor connecting the classrooms to the playground is in the form of a spacious “Engawa” (traditional Japanese veranda) with a deep roof that supports children to experience the changing weather. Children can feel the rainwater carried by the wind and can also experience the sunlight directly.

Courtesy of KIDS DESIGN LABO

Courtesy of KIDS DESIGN LABO

Courtesy of KIDS DESIGN LABO

The experience of interacting with nature is expected to develop a mindset and make decisions in acting independently. Teaching from an early age to take action when facing changes that allow them to appreciate nature more. 

The courtyard in this kindergarten is not only used as a play area but also aims to protect existing trees to maintain sustainability and as a source of natural energy for the surrounding environment. The surrounding courtyard is designed as a dining room with fully open windows so that children can enjoy their meals accompanied by seasonal changes and the growth of existing trees. The preservation of the trees indirectly instills an understanding and respect for the environment for a sustainable future.

Courtesy of KIDS DESIGN LABO

Courtesy of KIDS DESIGN LABO

The interior of the school also utilizes large open spaces, natural lighting, and the use of materials such as wood and other natural elements to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. The toilets for the children use wooden materials with a lower toilet wall height design. This allows for extra monitoring of the children while using the toilet, which indirectly facilitates communication between students and teachers while in the toilet. 

Courtesy of KIDS DESIGN LABO

As a school, the facilities provided should be able to improve the well-being of all school members. HIBINOSEKKEI and team designed a break room with a cafe-like design to provide a cozy feeling for teachers to relax their minds and body. Potted trees fill the space to create a harmonious natural feel and cool the space.

Courtesy of KIDS DESIGN LABO

MJK Kindergarten is a true testament to how a smart, nature-oriented renovation with its unique ability to connect children with their surroundings. It creates an inspiring learning environment for children, flowing naturally into the outdoor areas and inviting children to interact with nature directly. With a design that prioritizes experience and exploration, this kindergarten is not only a place of learning but also a space that fosters the imagination and independence of the younger generation.