Mjölk architekti and Projektový atelier David designed a whimsical addition to the Montessori Kindergarten in Jablonec nad Nisou. The architects made a daring structure whose primary design criterion was pleasure for the kids, a structure that begs for shenanigans and mayhem, rather than giving in to the pressure of the complex web of many construction regulations and constraints. The addition is a straightforward prism with a few protrusions that is totally covered in stainless steel mesh. It has one huge space that is divided into four levels vertically, each of which has a distinct ambiance and form to engage the children’s imaginations.
The kindergarten I attended as a child was originally a rectory in the downtown area. During the communist era it was converted to serve the new purpose. Everything was in fact done wrong there, yet I have maintained a special connection to that building and its grounds throughout my life. If I try to recall what I remember of my years at the kindergarten, there is only so much. Fragments of memories, not adding up to a coherent picture, but remarkably accurate in detail.
The design and construction of the two-story, reinforced concrete building are in stark contrast to the bigger, older structure that serves as a kindergarten. Simple prism with a few protrusions, completely covered in stainless steel mesh. A bottom floor and three intermediate stories are placed around a staircase and a void, which is above which is a sizable skylight in the roof. The structure is vertically split into these interior sections. Each intermediate level has a unique ambiance and form to engage the children’s thoughts in various ways. The intermediate floors provide areas for kids to hang around.
We pictured how fun it would be to run around between the old and the new part of the building through the bathrooms. We wanted to make it possible to climb out of the extension onto a large concrete terrace, where the children are safe and at the same time have as much freedom as possible. We put another play terrace on the roof because the view from the roof is beautiful. We connected the floors inside the kindergarten with a slide, which the children use to leave the building for a moment without asking and then return to it giggling. The interior space is in fact one large room split vertically into four levels. The children can always see each other, but they can also hide in a number of places if they want privacy for their mischief.
On the first and second floors, the addition is joined to the old kindergarten building. Direct access to the concrete covered play terrace over the parking lot is available from the ground floor. Children can utilize the outside slide that connects the second level to the ground floor to descend more quickly. There is a doorway with an external stairway going to the roof terrace from the third intermediate level. This has a safety net and can be transformed into a sizable summer playground for kids. The expansion allows the kindergarten to accommodate one more class.
We believe that we have not failed, we have not succumbed to the pressure of boredom and we have created a building in which children will be free to goof around, to develop casually, and the architecture will meet their needs.
Documentation for building permits and implementation documentation: Projektový atelier DAVID,
Construction contractor: Termil
Interior contractor: CNC studio
