483 Rainbow-Colored Glass Panels Emit A Rotating Kaleidoscope In This Playful Kindergarten

Made out of steel, concrete, and glass, this modern-looking kindergarten in China is reminiscent of a kaleidoscope, โ€œas the entire space is constantly changing.โ€ Built by SAKO Architects, the kindergarten thatโ€™s located in Tianshui, China features 483 pieces of colored glass that come in ten different colors. Placed above the glass doors, windows, and the handrails of corridors and stairs, the interior lights up in various shades as soon as sunlight hits the windows. By contrast, in the nighttime, the exterior is beautifully lit up by the light coming through the colorful glass from the inside. (More info: Instagram)

This colorful kindergarten in China was built this January

Image credits: SAKO Architects

The architects of the building write that in the daytime when the sunlight pours into the classrooms through the colored glass, it forms colorful lights and shadows, evoking childrenโ€™s creativity and imagination. While when darkness falls, glowing lights emitted from the interior of the building create an โ€œimpressive night scene.โ€

Image credits: SAKO Architects

Hundreds of rainbow-colored glasses emit an impression of a rotating kaleidoscope.

Image credits: SAKO Architects

Another design feature is that all the openings in the kindergarten are arched, taking inspiration from the traditional cave-like form of dwelling in the Loess Plateau, where the building is located. The architect company that built it says that the arched windows that come in different sizes and various positions make the architectural creation look like a birthday cake.

Image credits: SAKO Architects

The glass panels come in ten different colors.

Image credits: SAKO Architects

Yet another characteristic of the building is the multi-functional atrium which is equipped with floor heating and air conditioning system. โ€œThis space can function for various activities in different seasons,โ€ the architects write. While the glass ceiling above this three-story atrium allows natural light to come in, the windows around it can be opened and closed for ventilation or heat-trapping during the cold months.

Image credits: SAKO Architects

When the sunlight comes through the colored glass, it forms colorful lights and shadows.

Image credits: SAKO Architects

Handrails of the corridors and stairs that encircle the entire atrium are also decorated with colorful glass. As the light passes through these brightly-colored glasses, it forms colored shadows of various shapes. When they overlap with each other, it creates completely new and different colors from the original ten ones.

Image credits: SAKO Architects

While during the dark, the lights emitted from the interior create a beautiful night scene.

Image credits: SAKO Architects

To top it all, the architects have installed a safe playground on top of the roof for children to enjoy the beautiful broad view of Tianshui City. โ€œWhen the children grow up, they will also remember such spectacular scenery and be proud of their hometown,โ€ the architects write.

Image credits: SAKO Architects

And the rooftop of the kindergarten that overlooks Tianshui city is a safe playground for kids.

Image credits: SAKO Architects

It appears that people on the internet loved the idea for this colorful kindergarten. โ€œIโ€™m in love,โ€ one woman comments on Facebook. โ€œ[This] concept reminds me of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona,โ€ someone notes. However, not everyone finds the building pretty. โ€œNothing from nature anywhere, sad for the children,โ€ one man comments. What do you think of it?

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