Architectural Cases

AACM, an architecture studio, has recently unveiled a new kindergarten in Italy, distinctively designed with an "abstract ensemble" of terracotta-clad pyramidal roofs. This architectural choice is intended to evoke the cozy, communal atmosphere of a small village. Situated in Piove di Sacco, Padua, the 672-square-meter facility is nestled within a verdant, tree-filled environment.

Piove di Sacco's New Landmark: Kinder Rain Kindergarten Blends Tradition with Modern Learning

In the picturesque town of Piove di Sacco, Padua, a groundbreaking educational facility, Kinder Rain kindergarten, has been brought to life by the imaginative minds at local architecture studio AACM. Spanning a generous 672 square meters, the kindergarten is gracefully integrated into a lush, green landscape, surrounded by the calming embrace of nature.

Seeking to forge a structure that would resonate deeply with both its young occupants and the wider community, AACM drew inspiration from the distinctive Casone Veneto – traditional Veneto cabins. This homage to local heritage is manifested in the kindergarten's most striking feature: a collection of pyramidal roofs. Rodolfo Morandi, co-founder of AACM, articulated the studio's vision, emphasizing the desire to link the new public building to the region's historical narrative, ensuring it would be embraced and understood by the locals. The sloped roofs are a direct echo of the fishermen's houses, which stand as cultural monuments in the Piove di Sacco area.

The architectural layout cleverly forms what appears to be a miniature village, an abstract grouping of pyramidal 'houses' converging around a central 'agora' – an expansive inner playroom. This central space is ingeniously flanked by each classroom, fostering a sense of community and connection. The design thoughtfully eliminates traditional corridors, transforming circulation areas into dynamic spaces for both learning and play. Morandi highlighted that this arrangement encourages children to observe one another, instilling a sense of belonging to a larger 'society' beyond their individual classrooms.

Within each classroom, the pyramidal roof forms translate into dramatically steep, high ceilings, culminating in skylights that bathe the interiors in natural light. AACM's aspiration is for these architectural elements to ignite the imaginations of the children within. The interior aesthetic is defined by a minimalist palette, drawing attention to the building's geometric elegance. Wooden floors, pristine white walls, and wood fiber panel ceilings contribute to an environment that is both visually serene and acoustically sound. These ceiling panels also subtly reference the thatched roofs of the historical Casone Veneto.

The kindergarten's perimeter is punctuated by three inviting courtyards, conceptualized as 'external classrooms'. These spaces seamlessly connect with the surrounding natural beauty through large openings, extending the learning environment outdoors. A paved walkway and concrete bench seating elegantly trace the building's edge, expanding into a welcoming entrance plaza to the south. Morandi explained these outdoor classrooms as essential 'in-between' spaces, blurring the lines between inside and outside, and offering continuous visual access to the verdant surroundings from the central agora.

The exterior of Kinder Rain is uniformly clad in terracotta tiles, covering both walls and roofs. The external concrete benches and window frames are meticulously finished in a complementary shade, achieving what Morandi describes as a "reddish unity" – a harmonious blend of form, function, and local character. AACM, or Atelier Architettura Chinello Morandi, was established in 2020 by Morandi and Nicolò Chinello, with offices in Milan and Padua, continuing to shape inspiring spaces with thoughtful design.

The innovative design of Kinder Rain kindergarten by AACM offers a profound insight into the power of architecture to intertwine with cultural heritage and pedagogical principles. As a reader, I am struck by how the studio managed to create a familiar and comforting environment, reminiscent of a small village, for young children. This approach, drawing from the traditional Casone Veneto, not only grounds the building in its local context but also imbues it with a sense of timelessness and belonging. The emphasis on communal spaces, such as the central 'agora' and 'external classrooms', over conventional corridors, speaks volumes about a forward-thinking educational philosophy that values interaction, exploration, and a seamless connection with nature. It’s inspiring to see how architectural choices, like the pyramidal skylights, are intentionally used to spark imagination and creativity in children. This project serves as a wonderful example of how thoughtful design can enrich the learning experience, creating spaces that are not just functional but also deeply inspiring and culturally resonant. It prompts us to consider how our built environments can more effectively nurture curiosity and foster a sense of community from an early age.

In the vibrant heart of Tokyo's Ginza district, a new architectural statement emerges, transforming the facade of Cartier's flagship store. Klein Dytham Architecture, a studio renowned for its innovative designs, has crafted a captivating exterior that evokes the delicate drape of a wedding gown through its gracefully sweeping aluminum curves, offering a tranquil contrast to the surrounding urban geometry. This design not only distinguishes the building within its bustling environment but also embodies a harmonious blend of fluidity and sophisticated artistry.

The meticulous construction of this facade involved custom-fabricated aluminum panels, precisely shaped to mimic the soft, flowing lines of fabric. These panels, coated in Cartier's distinctive 'Moon Gold' shade, possess a remarkable quality that allows their hue to subtly alter throughout the day, transitioning from a silvery sheen in the morning to a warm, golden glow as evening approaches. This dynamic interplay of light and color contributes to the facade's ever-changing aesthetic. Furthermore, the design cleverly integrates a glass layer adorned with the traditional Japanese Seigaiha pattern, a motif symbolizing waves and good fortune, which casts gentle projections into the interior when bathed in sunlight, enriching the cultural resonance of the building.

The choice of aluminum as the primary material was pivotal, offering both the necessary malleability to achieve intricate triple-curved geometries and the inherent durability required for such a prominent structure. This versatility enabled the creation of a multi-layered facade comprising cast and flat aluminum panels alongside the patterned glass, lending significant depth to the overall composition. The facade's gentle curves also serve to visually soften the architectural lines, creating a seamless and unified appearance. This project stands as a testament to thoughtful design, seamlessly merging contemporary elegance with subtle cultural references to create a landmark that is both beautiful and deeply contextual.

The innovative facade of Cartier's Ginza store by Klein Dytham Architecture transcends mere aesthetics, offering a profound reflection on how design can enrich urban landscapes and engage with cultural heritage. By introducing a soft, sculptural element into a rigid cityscape, the project encourages us to seek beauty and tranquility in unexpected places, demonstrating that architecture can inspire and uplift the human spirit through creative expression and a deep understanding of its environment.