Kindergarten Dandelion Clock / Ecker Architekten
Architects: Ecker Architekten
Location: Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Client: Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis
Construction Area: 630 sqm
Project year: 2005-2006
Photographs: Constantin Mayer, Köln
The kindergarten ‘Dandelion Clock’ educates children with physical or developmental handicaps. Four similar modules form the building, three of which contain two classrooms and a therapy room. Overhangs shade façades and permit outdoor play in poor weather. The units are radially distributed about an atrium, which serves as a traffic zone, an indoor playing field, and a dining hall. This center is naturally lit and ventilated by four roof monitors. Vents in the classroom façade and windows at the top of each monitor draw air through the building, providing cooling during warm days or when the atrium is in use.
The monitors form a strong visual identity for the school, despite sprawling, commercial surroundings. Repetitive framing enabled factory production of large modular panels. Construction took 8 months to complete. Wood products play a dominant role in exterior and interior finishes. The color concept supports the radial form of the school and defines territories for its young users.
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- site plan
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- floor plan
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- details 01
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I can’t help but notice the “symbol” in the last detail drawing.
it is the buddhist symnbol. the nazis have adopted it and gave it a 45 degree. so it is only offensive when it is tilted.
not only a Buddhist symbol, the swastika (the “Symbol”) has been revered as an auspicious symbol by many religions in the east including Hinduism as Buddhism…..n just for the record..this is not a Nazi symbol though it was adopted and changed accordingly
it’s been Baden-Württemberg. since 1952…
The project is actually locted in North Baden.
That is, the Badische component of Baden-Württemberg.
why didn’t they recognize the symbol of a hakenkreuz????
niels
the hakenkreuz is merely a plan graphic. the components of the jester’s cap roof in the center of the building are volumetric wedges, turned to capture daylight from the four cardinal directions. this device was designed in three dimensions, not in two, and the plan of the thing is the result of the formal response, not the generator of it. if one insists on seeing a swastika in this building, our response is that we have unwittingly transformed a symbol of hatred and death into a volume of joy and life.
I can’t help but think that the light monitors would be stronger if they were painted white instead of reds and blues. Their effect would be much subtler but they would showcase changes in the light so much more.
I for one think the architects should be given kudos for creating both a serene and interactive environment for children with special needs. The coloration of the light wells provide a warm and inviting transitionary space where imaginations can soar and wander.
And enough with the symbology craziness already. Rotational symmetry and chirality is the basis of life as we know it, and thus revered in many forms around the globe. It’s not as if the light monitors were based on a five five grid.
Again, excellent work my friends. I’m guessing both the staff and the children enjoy the space on a daily basis.
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11:29 PM Jul 19th
Kindergarten Dandelion Clock / Ecker Architekten:
Architects: Ecker Architekten Location: Würt.. http://bit.ly/Kopcv
(Via @archdaily)
1:55 AM Jul 20th
Kindergarten Dandelion Clock / Ecker Architekten | ArchDaily – http://shar.es/dRgQ
12:04 PM Jul 20th
A rather colorful and fun-looking kindergarten: http://bit.ly/17iqJa