Early childhood learning spaces feature among Buildner's Kinderspace competition winners

Architectural competition platform Buildner has announced the results of its Kinderspace competition, an ideas challenge that invited participants to rethink the design of early childhood learning spaces. Participants were tasked with designing a learning space for young users that would go beyond traditional school classroom design to embrace ideas of creativity and nature.  

"Participants were challenged to create innovative environments that foster creativity, exploration, and well-being for young children," Buildner noted. "The goal was to move beyond conventional classroom models and propose spaces that enhance learning through architecture, integrating playfulness, flexibility, and engagement with nature."

The competition’s jury comprised Jake Heffington of ...and other works, Danielle Reimers of SAOTA, Jan Vondrák of Mjölk, and Edward Weysen of WE-S architects.

Below, we have set out the winners of the competition; more information on this can be found on Buildner’s official website. Meanwhile, the second edition of the Kinderspace competition is currently accepting registrations and submissions here. 

1st Prize Winner

Jardin Buenos Aires by Agustin Azar, Egor Gaydukov, and Santiago Barral

Jury feedback summary: "The project, situated in an urban park in Buenos Aires, encompasses a multi-functional community hub designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding environment. It includes indoor spaces totaling 895 sqm and outdoor areas of 1500 sqm, aimed at fostering community engagement through versatile, nature-integrated design. The building features a central courtyard, encircled by various multi-purpose rooms and administrative areas, with an emphasis on sustainable materials and construction techniques such as low-impact wood and energy-efficient design. Key facilities include quiet spaces for educational activities, a playground, and nature play areas, all designed to enhance community interaction and environmental education."

2nd Prize Winner

New Play Between Old Walls by Jona Paul Hermann Schulte and Karim Elghor

Jury feedback summary: "The project integrates sustainable and child-centric design principles into a multi-functional community center. The design includes flexible spaces to accommodate educational and community activities, with special attention to acoustics and natural light to enhance learning environments. Construction incorporates environmentally friendly materials and technologies, focusing on energy efficiency and low environmental impact. Facilities include a sheltered home area, multipurpose hall, and dedicated garden spaces, all designed to foster interaction among users of different ages. The plan emphasizes spatial connectivity and accessibility as a versatile community hub for a diverse range of activities and events."

3rd Prize Winner and Buildner Student Award

Wander-Land by Yanjun Xu and Jingyi Jiang (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

Jury feedback summary: "'Wanderland' integrates advanced environmental design with specialized learning spaces for children. The facility includes rooftop solar panels for sustainable power, ventilated and naturally lit classrooms promoting a healthy learning environment, and flexible furniture arrangements to adapt to various educational activities. Outdoor features include a series of roof-shaped play structures and a multisensory garden with plants selected to stimulate the five senses, enhancing the educational experience. Class units are tailored to specific age groups, supporting a gradual adaptation from play-focused to more structured learning environments, accommodating the cognitive and physical development of children as they grow."

Buildner Sustainability Award

A Garden Between Land and Sky by Zirui Wang and Pengcheng Yang

Jury feedback summary: "This project presents a harmonious integration of architecture with the natural environment, inspired by indigenous wisdom and designed to foster a connection between children and the Australian landscape. Located in Melbourne, the facility boasts modular design elements and environmentally friendly materials. It includes interactive, educational spaces that encourage exploration and sensory engagement with nature. Key features include a series of roof-shaped play structures, a multisensory garden with plants chosen to engage all five senses, and educational areas designed specifically for developmental stages of children. The design emphasizes sustainability with solar panels and native plantings, creating a dynamic learning environment where indoor and outdoor spaces are fluidly interconnected."