Dika Design redefines early learning through irregular forms
Fuzhou ESUO Future Kindergarten by Dika Architectural Design Center in Fuzhou, China, reimagines early childhood education through a playful, irregularly shaped building crowned with a rooftop astronaut sculpture. The structure transforms traditional kindergarten layouts into a three-dimensional exploration system that spans from ground level to corridors and rooftops. Corridors function as all-weather adventure paths, while each floor becomes
an interactive playground. The astronaut sculpture atop the building serves as a visual and conceptual anchor, inviting children to imagine themselves as cosmic explorers while reinforcing the theme of ‘exploring the universe.’
all images by Fuzhou MOMENT VISION Photography Studio and Gao Xin
Fuzhou ESUO Future Kindergarten serves as a ‘Third Teacher’
Rejecting conventional layouts where toys and activities are secondary, the team at Dika Architectural Design Center emphasizes child-friendliness: respecting natural curiosity without indulgence, encouraging imagination without flamboyance, and ensuring safety without restriction. Circulation routes, interactive zones, and flexible spaces allow children to explore intuitively, developing a sense of self and engagement with the unknown. The architecture itself functions as a ‘third teacher,’ guiding movement, perception, and imaginative play.
The building’s irregular geometry presented construction challenges. Arched outdoor spaces and curved ramps required precise casting, careful surface polishing, and close collaboration between design and construction teams. Fuzhou’s rainy climate added further complexity, yet the team successfully maintained playful forms while meeting strict safety standards. Key features include corridors designed as narrative ‘interstellar plank roads,’ fluid spatial arrangements that integrate classrooms with activity zones, and the rooftop astronaut sculpture that transforms every upward glance into a moment of imaginative engagement.
the playful shaped building is crowned with a rooftop astronaut sculpture
the structure transforms traditional kindergarten layouts into a three-dimensional exploration system
each floor becomes an interactive playground
circulation routes, interactive zones, and flexible spaces allow children to explore intuitively
the design respects natural curiosity and encourages imagination
stairs, ramps, platforms and slides complete the playful project
the architecture itself functions as a ‘third teacher’
arched outdoor spaces and curved ramps required precise casting
colorful zones enhance the vibrant character of the project
the building’s irregular geometry presented construction challenges
the rooftop astronaut sculpture that transforms every upward glance into a moment of imaginative engagement
project info:
name: Fuzhou ESUO Future Kindergarten
architects: Dika Architectural Design Center
chief architect: Wang Junbao Chief
designers: Tan Huimin, Tian Jiabin, Ou Jiyong, Fu Huiming, Chen Jian
participating designers: Yang Ming, Lu Qingyin, Kuang Wensheng, Gao Xin, Wang Bingxi, Wan Lisha, Ma Lu, Ji Xiaorui, Tang Shengyan, Wang Mudan, Yang Xinrong, Cui Yingnan, Huo Liangyue, Liu Xiaoyu
location: Fuzhou, Fujian
area: 9,646 sqm
brand design: Jianshan studio, Hou Geng
construction drawing deepening: Wang Peng, Li Jing, Chen Guanyu, Tao Hexin, Shi Wenlan, Gao Juan Structural design: Fujian Xumuli Construction Engineering Co., Ltd.
photography team: Fuzhou MOMENT VISION Photography Studio, Gao Xin
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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom
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