Designed by LAUD Architects, Sparkletots Preschool By PAP Community Foundation is amongst the first mega child care centers to be introduced in Singapore as part of the government’s efforts to increase and enhance educational opportunities for pre-schoolers. Home to 1000 children, the development is located in Punggol, a relatively new town characterized largely by young couples just starting their families.
The elegant circular building form with an overhanging roof canopy conveys an image of shelter and protection. Prominently located along Edgefield Plains, the grand drop-off with the large ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) canopy and double-volume main entrance allows convenient and sheltered drop-off/pick-up points and doubles up as an event plaza for celebrations.
photography by © Melvin H J Tan
The façade is composed of a series of vertical fins integrated with operable ventilation louvres in a light timber colour to emphasize the connection with nature. The alternating solid panels and operable ventilation louvres are cleverly angled such that the louvred windows face away from and minimize western sun exposure.
The use of materials and greenery throughout the building exude warmth and a “homely” atmosphere that is both exciting and inviting. Taking hints from the Sparkletots rainbow-coloured logo, the use of color was deliberately employed as an organizing principle and way-finder to give the children a holistic and immersive experience. The heart of the center is the central activity area, consisting of the activity rooms adjacent to the multi-purpose Play Arena (Dining Hall/ Library/ Indoor Theatre) on the 1st Story and the lushly planted 3-Point bridge on the 2nd Story.
The various play areas and physical activities promote experiential and sensorial learning and are located across all floors. Each play area is also deliberately designed differently in terms of scale, texture and its relation to the natural environment. A feature continuous ramp connects all the activity spaces across all 3 floors, promoting both visual and physical connections.
photography by © Melvin H J Tan
Project Info:
Architects: LAUD Architects
Location: Edgefield Plains, Singapore
Architects in Charge: Joseph Lau Tse Kit, Ho Tzu Yin, Melvin Tan Hua Jin, Jason Bok Sang Bock, Eugene Aw Ee Loo, Matthew Yeo Jing Guang, Rathika Florence Davamoni, Yeo Lye Niah
Area: 8400.0 m2
Project Year: 2018
Photographs: Melvin H J Tan
Project Name: Sparkletots Preschool By PAP Community Foundation
