Chinese studio MAD has converted an 18th-century courtyard building in Beijing into the YueCheng Courtyard Kindergarten, which is topped with a playspace for the children.
The architecture studio wrapped the new kindergarten in Beijing's Chaoyang District around a traditional courtyard building that was original constructed in 1725.
"While preserving the cultural heritage of the site, it forms a multi-layered urban narrative, where old and new co-exist," said MAD.
MAD has built a kindergarten with a rooftop playground
The new structure completely surrounds the historic buildings, which have been converted to become part of the kindergarten, and is topped with a bright red and orange roof.
This undulating rooftop was designed to contrast dramatically with the grey roofs of the traditional buildings and provide a large playspace for the kindergarten's children. The kindergarten wraps around a group of 18th-century buildings
"Unfolding onto the site with a low and gentle posture, the roof transforms the limited space between the various buildings into a colorful playground that functions as the main place for children to engage in outdoor sports and activities," said the studio.
"On the southwest side of the roof, a subtly undulating surface of several small 'hills' and 'plains' creates a high and low terrain, forming a playful landscape."
Courtyards contain stairs and slides
While the historic buildings contain enclosed art and dance classrooms, ...