A Nest for Growth: How Cheer Kindergarten Redefines Early Childhood Spaces
Cheer Kindergarten in Shenzhen, China, designed by Japanese architecture firm Hibino Sekkei and its child-focused brand Youji no Shiro, presents a bold reimagining of early education environments. Inspired by the city’s rapid urban development, the architects envisioned a learning space that encourages exploration, movement, and natural interaction—a far cry from conventional classroom-centered designs.
Key Design Features
- Vertical Interaction & Freedom of Movement
At the heart of the building lies a four-story atrium, equipped with large-scale climbing nets that span multiple floors. These nets allow children to move vertically across spaces, turning physical activity into part of their everyday routine and encouraging social engagement. - Natural Light & Flexible Learning
Instead of long, enclosed corridors, open passageways are lined with reading corners and large windows. These offer both visual and physical connections between different spaces, turning transitions into opportunities for discovery and play. - A “Nest” for Nurturing
The central design metaphor is that of a bird’s nest—an organic, protective, and nurturing space. Curved walls, bamboo laminates, and earthy tones echo natural textures, making the space feel both safe and inspiring for children. - Sustainable & Adaptive Design
The design incorporates parts of the original building envelope, introduces operable skylights and large foldable doors to optimize natural ventilation and lighting, significantly reducing mechanical energy needs. - A Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Experience
Sloped green lawns connect the garden with the lower-ground floor, blurring boundaries between interior and exterior, and offering diverse sensory experiences throughout the school day.
A Model for Future Learning Spaces
Rather than enforcing rigid structure, Cheer Kindergarten promotes free movement, interaction, and curiosity. It respects children’s autonomy while gently guiding them through beautifully designed, interconnected spaces. This project is a compelling example of how architecture can shape not only physical environments but developmental outcomes.
Image Credit:
Photo by Siming Wu, via ArchDaily
Reference:
Project information and photos sourced from ArchDaily: Cheer Kindergarten by Hibino Sekkei + Youji no Shiro
