Soyoo Joyful Growth Center
At Soyoo children choose their journey through five intersecting “tube” pathways. In five different colors the “tubes” cut through the rigid layout of the existing building. Functioning both in terms of program and circulation and the ultimate freedom to explore, imagine, learn and express, leading all the way to the roof.
Photography Of Yang Chao Ying
Re purposed to Explore, Imagine, Learn and Express
At ground floor the public landscape extends into the lobby welcoming visitors with a play frame, cafe, swimming pool and commercial booths.The second floor offers children a fantasy learning experience following the free flowing circular layout containing spaces related to drama, dance and music, a literacy and library, geography and world orientation, cooking, animation and art . The third floor is occupied by the Soyoo operated kindergarten, and roof garden continuing the program from below.
Photography Of Yang Chao Ying
One of three derelict round buildings Soyoo presents the community a new facade and landscape and a completely re purposed interior. The challenge was the amendment of the original building, limitations of the building’s exterior, structural constraints and vast size, into a new tailored one.
Photography Of Yang Chao Ying
A secondary facade of colored strings span from the existing roof to the ground, creating areas in between the existing volume. Light still easily penetrates through the facade into building. The interior reflects the same color palette allowing for easy orientation within the building.
Photography Of Yang Chao Ying
Guided by Sir Ken Robinson Crossboundaries’ design rethinks educational philosophy in contemporary China. That education should be personalized and children should be exposed to an environment where they appreciate to learn and can discover their passions. Soyoo encourages children to follow their own interests, learn freely and find their own way within the building.
Photography Of Yang Chao Ying
Project Info
Architect: Crossboundaries Architects
Location: Zhengzhou, China
Client: Soyoo Castle Enterprise Management Co., Ltd
Size: 27,800 sqm (site area), 28,200 sqm (built area)
Partners in charge: Binke Lenhardt, DONG Hao
Team: Tracey Loontjens, LI Zhenyu, earlier stage Cristina Portoles , Brecht Van Acker, Filip Galuszka, Diego Caro
Graphic Design: LAVA, Beijing
Design period: January 2013 – March 2014
Construction period: January 2014 – June 2015
Type: Cultural Center
Photographs: YANG Chao Ying
