Himawari Nursery School / AKAIKE TOHYAMA ARCHITECTS

Zoning to create interaction among different age groups - This is a relocation and new construction project for a nursery school in Musashimurayama City, Tokyo. The area has a generous atmosphere, with residential areas spreading toward the Musashino Plateau and Sayama Hills. The previous building was a two-story RC structure, and children's activities were divided between the upper and lower floors. The client wanted a one-story wooden structure for the new building to enrich the interaction and experiences of children of different ages. By placing the nursery room, hall, and other childcare functions on the first floor and the reception desk and other staff functions on the second floor, the zoning was designed to prevent the division of children's activities and create an environment that facilitates interaction among different age groups.