Kindergarten ,Urichstraße’ – 3nd place

The intention of the design is to combine the built structure with the existing buildings, the small-scale residential buildings and the neighboring gardens to form a harmonious ensemble in which high-quality living space is created for the youngest. The children’s home integrates into the existing urban structure, meets the neighborhood and develops a pleasant density. The deliberate division of functions into 4 building cubes with a joint as the centerpiece enables, on the one hand, an adequate grain for the location and creates clarity for all group units, on the other hand.. The open spatial structure generates relationships between outside and inside; the kindergarten becomes part of the place and interweaves itself with the garden. The building is designed according to a logical hybrid concept: the basement and the access in concrete construction, the groups in solid wood construction. The material wood determines the interior as well as the external appearance. The shell of the building is characterized by a wooden plank system, which reflects the dynamics of the group situations.  The facade design is closely related, but not identical. The cross-shaped axis between the cloakroom, dining room and group rooms forms the joint for all uses.  At ground level, the entrance and central area appear transparent, loggias protected from the wind complement the outdoor space on all sides and provide access to the garden. A clear division of administration, lunch and the two groups between the common central area creates a simple organizational logic. The exercise rooms located next to each other can be used as a large, coherent zone (even in the evening) and serve as a room extension on bad weather days.