Tsz Kiu Felix Wong, Yau Wai Lam
student
ESALA, Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
United Kingdom
Architektura
The project proposes a small learning environment that blends classroom life with play, memory, landscape, and community use. The idea is inspired by quiet… more
inci SHOAINIA
advisor
Gazi University, Faculty of Architecture, Ankara
Turkey
İnci Shoainia is an architect and co-founder of Spika Architecture, based in Turkey. She holds a… more
This project is highly successful in that it does not treat the educational space as merely an enclosed structure consisting of classrooms, but rather creates a holistic environment where children can learn through nature, play, social interaction, and daily life. In particular, the continuous connection between classrooms and courtyards, verandas, and open spaces ensures that learning is considered not only within the classroom but as an experience that extends throughout the entire space. The semi-open circulation areas, acting as a social backbone, give the project a strong sense of publicness and community. The perforated brick walls, providing light, air, and visual permeability, both enhance climatic performance and add a soft and calm atmosphere to the space. The lightweight roof system with large eaves offers a highly successful environmental approach by providing passive solutions to hot climate conditions. The fact that the landscape is considered not only an aesthetic element but also an educational space where children engage in production and connect with nature is one of the project's strongest aspects. The use of local materials and a low-tech construction system are noteworthy in that it addresses sustainability on an economical and feasible level. Instead of overly formal architectural gestures, the project establishes a strong architectural language through atmosphere, shade, permeability, and user experience. The spatial approach, which particularly references childhood memories, imbues the project with an emotional and human character. Overall, the design presents a calm, mature, and highly impressive architectural proposal that brings together climatic sensitivity, community relations, and a child-centered spatial experience.
The project presents a highly consistent architectural approach thanks to its strong spatial atmosphere and successful relationship with the climate. However, while maintaining the existing design language, some spatial potentials can be further developed. In particular, the "Where Walls Wander" concept can be felt more strongly by diversifying the walls, making them not only boundary elements but also surfaces open to seating, play, display, and user interaction. Small exploration areas, niches, and semi-hidden spaces that support the child scale can enrich the relationship between play and learning in the project. The educational character of the landscape is quite successful; however, making systems such as production gardens and rainwater harvesting more visible through the direct participation of children can add an extra layer to the project. Although the roof system is a strong element in terms of climate, spatial diversity can be further increased with different light transmissions and shadow densities. Designing open spaces that support community use to accommodate neighborhood activities outside of school hours can strengthen the social impact of the project. Surfaces where users can leave their mark over time and some details open to community production can deepen the sense of memory and belonging in the project. Semi-open learning spaces and combinable areas that support flexible learning scenarios can make the educational experience more liberating without disrupting the existing calm architectural language. Such small but effective improvements will further highlight the project's already strong atmosphere and community-oriented approach.
10.05.2026