Poppins Nursery School Karuizawa Kazakoshi, designed by NIKKEN SEKKEI, is a single-story wooden nursery school in Japan. Located in a highland resort area of Karuizawa, near Lake Shiozawa and Kazakoshi Park, the structure overlooks Mount Asama. The building is positioned diagonally at the center of the site to naturally separate the south-facing playground from the north-facing parking area, making use of the site’s existing slope and minimizing the need for new barriers along the western retaining wall.

The project is defined by two leaf-shaped roofs of different heights. Childcare rooms are placed beneath the lower roof, while the higher roof covers the hall and staff facilities. The floor plan is designed so that all childcare rooms face the outdoor garden, and the hall functions as the central gathering space where children engage in group activities. Large windows introduce daylight and provide views of the surrounding landscape throughout the year.

Spatial divisions rely on wooden columns rather than enclosed walls, creating a continuous interior environment that supports movement and visual connection across age groups. The six nursery rooms, grouped into zones for ages 0-2 and 3-5, feature lower ceiling heights and a smaller spatial scale suited to young children. Each room connects to the hall through column-defined openings, allowing for gradual transitions between spaces and enabling interaction between different age groups.

all images by Norihito Yamauchi

NIKKEN SEKKEI employs Timber framework and Dual Roof Planes

The design team at NIKKEN SEKKEI opts for material and environmental strategies that emphasize wood as the primary interior finish. This approach aims to create a unified atmosphere across childcare rooms, circulation zones, and the hall. High-side windows located between the two roofs supply natural light and support gravity-based ventilation during mild seasons, reducing dependency on artificial lighting and mechanical cooling.

Structurally, the project employs two simple, untwisted roof planes cut into organic, leaf-like geometries that taper toward the eaves. These roof surfaces were constructed using standard laminated timber without special curved components. Columns are slightly angled along the curve of the plan so that their intersections with beams remain nearly vertical, allowing the use of common connection hardware and reducing the need for custom structural fittings. Double timber columns (120 × 240 mm European red pine) are arranged at regular 1,820 mm intervals, corresponding to plywood module dimensions and creating a rhythmic structural grid reminiscent of loosely defined forest-like zones.

By standardizing short-span joint details and optimizing material use, the project maintains a clear structural expression while remaining efficient to construct within a limited schedule and budget. The spatial volume beneath the high roof accommodates the hall, kitchen, and staff areas, while mechanical equipment is placed in the ceiling space under the low roof to maximize usable interior area.

a leaf-shaped roof defines the low, child-scaled volumes of the nursery

the building sits on a highland site overlooking Mount Asama

organic roof geometries taper toward the eaves

wooden columns replace walls to create an open interior flow

large windows bring natural light into the hall

laminated timber is used to form the untwisted roof planes

column-defined openings allow gentle transitions between spaces

wood surfaces unify the childcare rooms and circulation areas

double timber columns create a rhythm across the interior grid

all childcare rooms face the outdoor garden

nursery rooms are divided into zones for ages 0-2 and 3-5

structural spacing corresponds to standard plywood module dimensions

mechanical equipment is placed beneath the low roof to maximize space efficiency

high-side windows between the two roof levels channel light in and out of the interior

project info:

name: Poppins Nursery School Karuizawa Kazakoshi
architect: Nikken Sekkei Ltd | @nikkensekkei_global
location: Karuizawa, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

site area: 2699.04 sqm

total floor area: 494.46 sqm

contractor: Seibu Construction Co., Ltd.

photographer: Norihito Yamauchi

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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At the Morris Houses in the Bronx, an underutilized concrete bleacher has been transformed into a vibrant hub of activity known as the Common Corner. Co-designed by multidisciplinary studio The Urban Conga in collaboration with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and, most importantly, the residents themselves, the project breathes new life into a space that had fallen into disuse over decades. This community-led revitalization serves as a flexible gathering place designed to foster multigenerational connection and open-ended play.

the installation encourages social connection within the space

community-led design process in the bronx

The Urban Conga facilitated the design through a series of workshops using play methodologies, creating a safe environment for residents to share their dreams and stories. This participatory process ensured the final design was a direct reflection of the community’s identity. The site is now organized into three interconnected zone — social, active, and fantasy play — each catering to different needs. From accessible seating with grab bars to a stage-like platform for storytelling and performance, the space balances physical exercise with social rest and imaginative expression.

the project is intended to spotlight the space and catalyze further investment in the surrounding space

art and design playscape

Visually, the Common Corner is tied together by a forced-perspective mural that wraps around the structure, signaling a growing and evolving vision for the development. The upper section features reflective, color-changing mirrors and perforated panels for community-created paracord art, making the environment dynamic and shifting. Adding a layer of local pride, the risers are inscribed with affirmations chosen by the residents, such as ‘Dream Big’ and ‘Stronger Together,’ turning the site into a permanent source of encouragement.

an open-ended design allows the space to adapt to a range of activities

Part of NYCHA’s Connected Communities program, the Common Corner is a testament to the power of resident-led design. By transforming a static piece of infrastructure into a social landmark, the project demonstrates how public-private partnerships can modernize open spaces while strengthening the social fabric of the neighborhood.

‘Common Corner represents what we can achieve when residents’ voices are truly heard,‘ said Regina Carter, President of the Morris Houses Residents Association. ‘For years, these bleachers sat empty, but through this project, they’ve been transformed into something beautiful and meaningful for everyone. A place where young people, older adults, and families alike can meet and play. For us, this is more than a space to sit; it’s a space to come together, to play, and to celebrate our community.‘

zones for active play, including a climbing wall

the installation is organized into zones that encourage social, active, and imaginative play

reflective color-changing mirrors reflect and refract the surrounding environment

phrases of affirmations chosen by the community line the work

perforated panels wrap the existing fence, creating a framework for future paracord artworks

the mural guides movement across the steps, encouraging varied paths and ways of experiencing it

the space serves as an entryway into the Morris House community

the design wraps up and over the existing steps to encourage more is to come to the space

project info:

name: Common Corner
designer: The Urban Conga

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Fuzhou ESUO Future Kindergarten by Dika Architectural Design Center in Fuzhou, China, reimagines early childhood education through a playful, irregularly shaped building crowned with a rooftop astronaut sculpture. The structure transforms traditional kindergarten layouts into a three-dimensional exploration system that spans from ground level to corridors and rooftops. Corridors function as all-weather adventure paths, while each floor becomes

an interactive playground. The astronaut sculpture atop the building serves as a visual and conceptual anchor, inviting children to imagine themselves as cosmic explorers while reinforcing the theme of ‘exploring the universe.’ 

all images by Fuzhou MOMENT VISION Photography Studio and Gao Xin

Fuzhou ESUO Future Kindergarten serves as a ‘Third Teacher’

Rejecting conventional layouts where toys and activities are secondary, the team at Dika Architectural Design Center emphasizes child-friendliness: respecting natural curiosity without indulgence, encouraging imagination without flamboyance, and ensuring safety without restriction. Circulation routes, interactive zones, and flexible spaces allow children to explore intuitively, developing a sense of self and engagement with the unknown. The architecture itself functions as a ‘third teacher,’ guiding movement, perception, and imaginative play.

The building’s irregular geometry presented construction challenges. Arched outdoor spaces and curved ramps required precise casting, careful surface polishing, and close collaboration between design and construction teams. Fuzhou’s rainy climate added further complexity, yet the team successfully maintained playful forms while meeting strict safety standards. Key features include corridors designed as narrative ‘interstellar plank roads,’ fluid spatial arrangements that integrate classrooms with activity zones, and the rooftop astronaut sculpture that transforms every upward glance into a moment of imaginative engagement.

the playful shaped building is crowned with a rooftop astronaut sculpture

the structure transforms traditional kindergarten layouts into a three-dimensional exploration system

each floor becomes an interactive playground

circulation routes, interactive zones, and flexible spaces allow children to explore intuitively

the design respects natural curiosity and encourages imagination

stairs, ramps, platforms and slides complete the playful project

the architecture itself functions as a ‘third teacher’

arched outdoor spaces and curved ramps required precise casting

colorful zones enhance the vibrant character of the project

the building’s irregular geometry presented construction challenges

the rooftop astronaut sculpture that transforms every upward glance into a moment of imaginative engagement

project info:

name: Fuzhou ESUO Future Kindergarten

architects: Dika Architectural Design Center

chief architect: Wang Junbao Chief
designers: Tan Huimin, Tian Jiabin, Ou Jiyong, Fu Huiming, Chen Jian

participating designers: Yang Ming, Lu Qingyin, Kuang Wensheng, Gao Xin, Wang Bingxi, Wan Lisha, Ma Lu, Ji Xiaorui, Tang Shengyan, Wang Mudan, Yang Xinrong, Cui Yingnan, Huo Liangyue, Liu Xiaoyu

location: Fuzhou, Fujian

area: 9,646 sqm

brand design: Jianshan studio, Hou Geng

construction drawing deepening: Wang Peng, Li Jing, Chen Guanyu, Tao Hexin, Shi Wenlan, Gao Juan Structural design: Fujian Xumuli Construction Engineering Co., Ltd.

photography team: Fuzhou MOMENT VISION Photography Studio, Gao Xin

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom

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Located in the northern districts of Marseille, France, Les Fabriques is a school complex by Brenac & Gonzalez & Associés designed as a compact, climate-responsive structure built from solid stone. Positioned on a constrained plot within the Littorale urban development zone, the project integrates a nursery school and an elementary school, each with dedicated reception areas, circulation routes, and naturally lit and ventilated classrooms.

The design adopts a vertical strategy that consolidates program elements in order to free ground space for the preschool playground. Additional outdoor areas for the elementary school, like playgrounds, gardens, and educational terraces, are arranged in a stepped configuration rising to the roof. At the request of the City of Marseille, the rooftop accommodates a sports facility that includes half a basketball court, an athletics track, and a tensile mesh structure reminiscent of a catamaran sail. This upper-level program extends the building’s public role by serving as a neighborhood gathering space outside school hours.

stone volumes form the school’s compact urban massing | all images by Sergio Grazia unless stated otherwise

Thick Stone facade and Terraced Volumes Form School Landscape

BGA’s design team defines the complex as a ‘landscape building,’ composed of interlocking mineral volumes that follow the site’s topography. The massing generates sheltered interstitial spaces used as open-air classrooms, performance areas, and gardens. These spaces contribute to climatic comfort while supporting biodiversity, including bird habitats. The overall morphology responds to local environmental conditions, like strong mistral winds, high solar exposure, and recurrent heatwaves, by creating a sequence of protected, navigable zones throughout the school.

The building envelope is constructed from solid stone sourced from the Beaulieu quarry. Blocks measuring 20 to 45 cm thick provide thermal inertia and long-term durability. Deep overhangs and the stone’s material density moderate heat gain, stabilizing interior temperatures across classrooms and corridors. Stone and concrete are used together as a hybrid structural system, balancing mass with structural efficiency.

tiered outdoor terraces connect learning spaces across levels

Daily Function and Public Access organize School’s Spatial layout

Attention to daily use is reflected in design details such as a continuous line of coat hooks inspired by Osvaldo Cavandoli, which introduces a clear and legible orientation device for children. Circulation is organized to support calm movement and supervision within the school, addressing both functional and safety requirements in this part of the city. Brenac & Gonzalez & Associes’ project was carried out in close coordination with Euroméditerranée and the City of Marseille, who supported program adjustments, including the integration of the rooftop sports facility, and facilitated experimentation with construction methods. The building also participates in the city’s ‘À nous les toits’ initiative, allowing use by local associations and residents outside school hours.

Les Fabriques demonstrates how solid stone construction, compact massing, and tiered outdoor spaces can be combined to achieve climatic resilience within dense urban conditions. The project establishes a protective and adaptable environment for education while contributing a durable architectural presence to Marseille’s northern districts.

deep overhangs in solid stone provide passive solar protection

the preschool playground occupies the site’s open central area

interlocking blocks create sheltered courtyards and passageways

stone facades emphasize durability and thermal inertia

the stone cores were reused in the construction of the wall

Les Fabriques’ solid stone construction and tiered outdoor spaces achieve climatic resilience

project info:

name: Les Fabriques

architect: Brenac & Gonzalez & Associés | @brenacgonzalezassocies

area: 3575 sqm

location: Marseille, France

project architect: Jean-Pierre Lévêque

project managers: Julien Gonin and Arnaud Ladauge

landscape design: MOZ Landscape

client: Euroméditerranée – Établissement Public d’Aménagement – Marseille

engineering: ACV/AGS (VRD) / ALTO (Electrical Engineering, Fluids & Climate Engineering, Environmental Engineering) / Bollingher&Grohmann (Structure) / ENVISOL (Pollution Control)/ – F BOUGON (Eco)

construction: Eiffage

stonework: PROROCH

photographer: Sergio Grazia | @sergio.grazia, Stefan Tuchila | @stefan.tuchila

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Vo Trong Nghia Architects – VTN has completed Nuoc Ui School in Tra Mai commune, Nam Tra My district, a remote mountainous region in Central Vietnam. The project provides an educational facility for an ethnic minority community living across steep terrain and a climate characterized by frequent storms and heavy rainfall. Funded primarily by the Midas Foundation, with windows and doors sponsored by Tostem, the school is conceived as a durable and locally adapted structure. The design prioritizes the preservation of the existing landscape and establishes a clear relationship between the built environment and the surrounding forested mountains. Classrooms and supporting buildings are arranged to open toward these natural views, while a central courtyard is oriented to overlook the valley. The architectural layout emphasizes openness, natural light, and environmental responsiveness.

Built from rammed earth and bamboo, the project embraces local materials and the surrounding forested landscape, opening its classrooms toward sweeping valley views. Simple yet robust, the architecture forms a sheltered courtyard and a semi-indoor playground that support learning in all seasons. With passive ventilation, deep eaves, and a layout shaped by nature, the school stands as a quiet but powerful response to place, a modest structure with an enduring spirit.

all images by Trieu Chien

Nuoc Ui School Establishes Nature-Connected Educational Space

Architectural practice Vo Trong Nghia Architects – VTN positions locally sourced materials at the foundation of the school project. Rammed earth walls and bamboo roofing reduce transportation demands and environmental impact while maintaining a direct connection to regional building traditions. These materials also support the structural requirements of the sloped site and provide resilience against heavy rainfall. Deep roof eaves are incorporated to protect the earthen walls and extend the building’s lifespan. The school is organized around an internal courtyard, with classrooms connected to a forecourt through a semi-indoor playground. This arrangement forms a continuous sequence of spaces for learning, play, and group activities. The semi-indoor playground, located between two classrooms, offers a sheltered play area that remains usable during rainy periods.

Large, symmetrically placed windows provide natural ventilation and daylighting, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. Combined with buffer zones such as covered corridors and deep eaves, the ventilation strategy helps maintain a stable indoor environment suited to the region’s humid tropical climate. These transitional spaces also function as areas for informal activities and interaction. Nuoc Ui School presents an architectural approach grounded in local materials, climatic conditions, and community needs. Its modest scale and clear structural system support long-term durability, while its arrangement of interconnected indoor and outdoor spaces establishes a learning environment closely aligned with its natural context.

Nuoc Ui School sits within a remote mountainous region of Central Vietnam

the school is designed to withstand frequent storms and heavy rainfall

classrooms open toward surrounding forested mountains

rammed earth and bamboo define the project’s material approach

a central courtyard is oriented to capture expansive valley views

deep eaves protect earthen walls from rain and extend the structure’s lifespan

local materials reduce environmental impact and support regional building traditions

large, symmetrical windows provide daylight and natural ventilation

the design responds directly to the region’s humid tropical climate

project info:

name: Nuoc Ui School
architects: Vo Trong Nghia Architects VTN | @vtnarchitects_votrongnghia

lead architect: Vo Trong Nghia

location: Nam Tra My, Quang Nam, Vietnam

area: 295.5 sqm

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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LuxeIsland Restaurant, designed by DL Atelier, forms part of the newly developed LuxeIsland project in Wuhan, China. Conceived within a children’s playground, the building occupies a prominent position at the island’s gateway and was alternatively titled The Brave Cabin, a name that reflects its location among climbing structures intended to encourage exploration and courage. With an interior area of less than 200 sqm, the restaurant emphasizes open, shaded spaces that extend the dining experience into the landscape.

The project builds on a long-standing collaboration between DL Atelier and LUXELAKES, following previous work such as Dotsss Children’s Museum, Edenland Architectural, and The CAPE Commercial District. The design approach for LuxeIsland Restaurant centers on the idea of creating a compact but visually expressive structure that operates as both a dining venue and a landmark visible from across the river. Formally, the building takes the shape of a small mountain composed of interlocking, angular volumes that appear to rise from the ground. Its massing curves gently along the island’s shoreline, while its height and scale ensure visibility through surrounding trees. The structure invites exploration as visitors approach along the open lawns and wooded paths.

all images by ©Zhu Yumeng – Coppak Studio

interlocking angular Volumes outline LuxeIsland Restaurant

The final design adopts an efficient system of flat planes clad entirely in solid wood strips. The architectural team at DL Atelier selected this design approach for construction due to its feasibility and visual coherence. The wooden exterior gives the building a warm, tactile character while maintaining a sculptural form that integrates with the natural setting. The building’s roof structure employs a steel space frame, enabling large cantilevers, some exceeding ten meters, and accommodating the restaurant’s open plan. Four clusters of composite steel columns, clad in black stone panels, support the main volume. Portions of this cladding extend outward to create functional elements such as outdoor seating, takeout counters, and wash stations. The triangular openings embedded in the roof serve both as visual apertures and as housings for interior lighting and mechanical systems.

Internally, the restaurant and water bar are enclosed by full-height glass walls, establishing visual continuity between indoor activity and the surrounding park. Large mechanical and kitchen systems are concealed within the roof volume to maintain the purity of the form. The roof’s multi-layered geometry is central to the overall composition, enhancing spatial hierarchy and providing a dynamic profile to the site. As one of the first standalone structures to open on LuxeIsland, the restaurant acts as a showcase for the development’s architectural identity. It combines structural precision with an expressive silhouette that interacts with its recreational setting. The project demonstrates how compact architecture can operate simultaneously as infrastructure, landmark, and social space, inviting both play and pause along the island’s waterfront.

LuxeIsland Restaurant by DL Atelier sits at the entrance of LuxeIsland in Wuhan

a sculptural landmark designed within a children’s playground

located at the island’s gateway, the structure is visible from across the river

shaded semi-outdoor spaces extend the dining area into the landscape

the form resembles a small mountain composed of angular, interlocking volumes

composite steel columns clad in black stone anchor the main volume

the structure’s height ensures visibility through the surrounding trees

solid wood strips clad the exterior, enhancing texture and warmth

a wooden and glass facade gives the building a lightweight, natural presence

full-height glass walls connect the interior to the surrounding park

triangular roof openings integrate lighting and ventilation systems

the massing curves gently along the island’s shoreline

the layered roof geometry defines the building’s distinctive silhouette

visitors approach the building through open lawns and woodland paths

combining structure, landscape, and play, LuxeIsland Restaurant serves as both dining space and landmark

project info:

name: LuxeIsland Restaurant

architect: DL Atelier
design team: Liu Yang, Xu Dan, Hu Yiwei

location: Wuhan, China

photographer: Zhu Yumeng – Coppak Studio | @Yumeng_Zhu_coppakstudio

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The Himi Shinmachi Daycare Center, designed by Shio Architect Design Office – Ataru Shio, is a new two-story wooden facility located in the center of Himi City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan. The project replaces a nursery that had been in operation for nearly 50 years and was commissioned through a selective tender process aimed at developing high-quality public architecture at a local scale.

The design seeks to create an educational environment that supports early childhood learning while serving as a recognizable civic presence within the community. The building’s placement was determined by the constraints of the site, an elongated plot running north to south, bisected by an existing underground sewer line. To accommodate this condition, the structure is positioned to one side of the pipeline, optimizing both usable space and access to natural light. Constructed using a traditional wooden framework system, the daycare employs locally sourced timber supported by the Forestry Agency’s regional materials subsidy program. This approach not only reinforces the connection to local craftsmanship but also promotes the sustainable use of regional resources.

all images by Satoshi Asakawa

Wooden curved interior promotes safety and Tactile Learning

Given the limited number of sunny days in the Hokuriku region, the design prioritizes natural illumination. Large openings and an open spatial layout allow interior areas to remain bright even under overcast conditions, providing children with a comfortable and active indoor environment. Safety and sensory experience also guided the design: sharp corners are minimized to prevent injuries, and authentic materials such as wood and tile are used throughout, offering children direct tactile contact with natural surfaces from an early age.

The result is a community-centered public building by Shio Architect Design Office, led by architect Ataru Shio, that balances environmental responsiveness, spatial clarity, and material honesty, supporting both early education and the local built culture of Toyama Prefecture.

the Himi Shinmachi Daycare Center is located in the heart of Himi City, Toyama Prefecture

designed by Shio Architect Design Office, the project replaces a 50-year-old nursery

the two-story wooden structure serves as both an educational and civic space

authentic materials like wood and tile create a tactile learning environment

the building’s form responds to the site’s narrow, north–south orientation

the structure is built to optimize daylight and usable space

a traditional wooden framework forms the building’s structural system

locally sourced timber reinforces the connection to regional craftsmanship

the design ensures bright, comfortable interiors throughout the year

the open layout encourages movement and play for young children

children experience natural textures and materials in their daily surroundings

the daycare center embodies environmental responsiveness and material honesty

sharp corners are minimized to enhance safety within active play areas

project info:

name: Himi Shinmachi Daycare Center

architect: shio architect design office – Ataru Shio | @atarushio
location: Himi City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

floor area: 982.56 sqm

construction/contractor: Higashi Kogyo, Himi Civil Engineering, and Hamai Joint Venture

photographer: Satoshi Asakawa

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At Baoshan No. 2 Central Primary School in Shanghai, OLA Shanghai collaborated with LEGO China and NIKE to create a playground that integrates movement and creativity. The design takes inspiration from the form and logic of a simple 2×3 LEGO brick, translating its modularity into spatial and athletic functions.

Developed as part of NIKE’s Move to Zero initiative, the project aims to merge the concepts of play and physical activity. Modular elements derived from LEGO bricks are reinterpreted as adaptable structures for climbing, balancing, and exploration, encouraging children to construct their own routes and redefine how play spaces can support movement.

all images courtesy of LEGO China and NIKE

Modular components reconfigure into various play structures

The design also connects to LEGO China’s Build the Change workshop, where children used LEGO bricks to express ideas about play and design. Insights from the workshop informed the project’s emphasis on open-ended interaction, allowing students to experiment, collaborate, and transform even short breaks into moments of creative movement.

Through this collaboration between companies NIKE and LEGO China, the playground becomes both a learning environment and a flexible platform for exploration, reflecting how design can support the intersection of education, sustainability, and play.

the playground at Baoshan No. 2 Central Primary School redefines the relationship between play and movement

OLA Shanghai designed the space in collaboration with LEGO China and NIKE

modular design principles guide both the spatial layout and the play structures

the design translates LEGO’s modularity into physical, scalable play experiences

each element encourages climbing, balancing, and active exploration

the project draws inspiration from the simple geometry of a 2×3 LEGO brick

children can create their own routes and patterns of movement

play and physical activity merge through flexible, open-ended structures

the playground promotes experimentation and collective play

open-ended interaction encourages creativity and problem-solving

modular components can be rearranged to support different play activities

the space adapts to both structured games and spontaneous exploration

LEGO x NIKE playground serves as a model for rethinking school-based play spaces

project info:

name: LEGO x NIKE Sports as Play in Shanghai Primary School

designer: Our LEGO Agency Shanghai (In-house Agency at the LEGO Group)

workshop: Build the Change by LEGO China

program: Move to Zero by NIKE

companies: LEGO | @lego x NIKE | @nike

school: Baoshan No. 2 Central Primary School

location: Shanghai, China

head of LEGO Agency Asia: Annie Boo
creative director: Guo Jun
creative specialist: Bebe Wang
senior copywriter: Beck Deng
senior art director: Jace Wang
senior project manager: Karen Lin
project manager: Venice Choy

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Gioco, a new creative space for children, has opened at the Triennale Milano as part of the larger redesign of the Piano Parco entrusted to AR.CH.IT Luca Cipelletti. Designed by smarin, the project introduces a flexible, interactive environment of modular blocks of cork to be reconfigured and used for hands-on exploration. The initiative comes with the institution’s commitment to accessibility and family engagement, following the strategic plan and the Triennale Manifesto for families, which was introduced in 2025.

The project can be found within the renovated Piano Parco in Milan, and welcomes children and their caregivers throughout the day. The space is at once a structured educational setting and a free-use area. While it accommodates workshops led by the Triennale Education Department, it also invites informal playtime in-between.

images © smarin studio, unless otherwise stated

cork modules for play

With his Gioco space for the Triennale Milano, French studio smarin emphasizes adaptability and material honesty. Furnishings use modular cork blocks and flat pine surfaces chosen for their durability, along with their sustainable and tactile qualities. Assembled without nails or screws, these lightweight elements can be rearranged to create seats, desks, partitions, or loungers, allowing the interior to shift quickly between a workshop, playroom, or contemplative retreat.

The layout’s flexibility encourages spontaneous interaction. When the room is cleared for larger activities, the blocks can be neatly stacked and stored, maintaining a sense of openness without sacrificing function. This design supports both individual creativity and group learning, lending a space that is adaptable as the activities it hosts.

Gioco opens as a new creative space for children at the Triennale Milano

smarin designs for families

Gioco also integrates practical amenities for families visiting Triennale Milano.  Stroller parking, lockers, a water dispenser, and child-friendly restroom facilities ensure comfort for visitors of all ages. Nearby, Cucina Triennale adds a children’s menu, extending children’s inclusion outward into the rest of the Triennale.

The installation’s library extends the invitation to explore. Its collection includes illustrated books in Italian and English, silent picture books, and volumes introducing Italian Sign Language, with augmented and alternative communication options to broaden accessibility. Triennale Junior Albums offer interactive activities that link the space to current exhibitions, enriching the visit beyond play.

smarin designs the interior of Gioco with furnishings by smarin

the project is part of the larger Piano Parco renovation at Triennale Milano

modular cork and pine furnishings by smarin encourage hands-on play

lightweight blocks can be rearranged into seats desks or loungers

a library offers illustrated books, silent books, and Italian Sign Language titles

workshops and family programs connect Gioco to Triennale exhibitions

project info:

name: Gioco

furniture design space: smarin | @smarin_studio

location: Piano Parco, Milan, Italy

architecture: AR.CH.IT. Luca Cipelletti | @lucacipelletti

event: Triennale Milano | @triennalemilano

photography: © smarin

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waa (wearchitechanonymous) designs ERDOS Land, a 2,600-sqm factory store within the ERDOS headquarters complex on the outskirts of Ordos city, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The project integrates retail, leisure, and tourism functions, housing all of the brand’s labels under one roof and accommodating up to 700 visitors per day during peak seasons. An additional 700 sqm of space supports a children’s play area, a café, and a tourist center.

The design approach is rooted in an exploration of how color shapes perception within spatial environments. Instead of modifying individual pigments, the project emphasizes the relationship between colors and their surroundings to shape perception. Pink surfaces and frames are selected to soften the retail environment and create optical vibrations that lighten the atmosphere while ensuring garments remain the focal point. A continuous pink ribbon-like rack runs through the space, doubling as a structural and organizational device: it supports task lighting for booths, provides wayfinding for visitors, and manages the visual scale of the merchandise.

all images courtesy of waa (wearchitechanonymous)

Looping shopping routes organize ERDOS Land factory store

Circulation guides the spatial organization by Studio waa (wearchitechanonymous). Four central islands structure the floor plan, allowing shopping routes to unfold as either a continuous loop or a set of interconnected figure-of-eight paths. Each island is dedicated to a specific garment type, including scarves, jumpers, accessories, and general wear. Along the perimeter, opposite booths host the brand’s five labels, separated by aggregate pillars that incorporate fitting rooms.

The children’s booth integrates play elements directly into the retail environment, with climbing structures, adapted garment rails, and feature chandeliers that double as supports. These devices extend the store’s broader emphasis on playfulness, embedding moments of interaction into the shopping experience. A seamless membrane ceiling unifies the entire space, controlling light levels, softening shadows, and enhancing garment displays. This contoured ceiling, combined with rhythmic lighting and carefully orchestrated color compositions, maintains visual clarity across the large-scale interior.

waa (wearchitechanonymous) completes ERDOS Land in Ordos

the factory store integrates retail, leisure, and tourism

the design explores how color shapes spatial perception

a pink ribbon-like rack runs through the store as a central device

optical effects create a lighter, more dynamic atmosphere

the children’s booth integrates climbing structures into retail

pink surfaces soften the retail environment and frame circulation

play devices embed moments of interaction within the store

color, circulation, and material strategies shape ERDOS Land’s design

a continuous membrane ceiling unifies the entire interior

project info:

name: ERDOS LAND
architect: waa (wearchitechanonymous) | @waa_wearchitechanonymous

location: Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

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