A historic courtyard in Beijing is all set to become one of the coolest kindergarten centers the world has ever seen, its older buildings already being surrounded by a fluid floating structure in invigorating shades of red and coral. Chinese architecture firm MAD unveiled renderings for its ?Courtyard Kindergarten? in late 2018, with an expected completion date of fall 2019. It all starts with a residential siheyuan dating back to 1725, which the firm aims to protect and preserve while also creating ?a multi-layered urban narrative? where old and new can coexist.

Renderings also give us a sneak peek at some of the school’s other fun features, including a domed rooftop area protected from the elements and a tubular blue slide. Openings in the platforms make space for three ancient trees on the site and allow natural light to filter down to the ground. Beneath the new roof sits enough open-plan space to accommodate 400 children aged two through five, as well as several classrooms, a library, a small theater, and a gymnasium, all of which have been designed with a light and airy touch that encourages ?a free and inclusive atmosphere.? The outdoor areas seamlessly interplay with the indoors, allowing the children to feel immersed in the school’s historic structures, grassy play areas, walkways, and slides even when they’re in the middle of in class.
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