Architects Rudanko + Kankkunen Ltd. has designed a future school concept for Aurinkokivi area in Vantaa, Finland. The design was awarded in the architectural competition for its inspiring architecture and child-friendly spaces.
The City of Vantaa announced the results of Aurinkokivi school design competition on 14.2.2013. Architects Rudanko + Kankkunen was awarded a purchase prize with the entry “Tivoli”. The jury noted in their report that the entry has a “magical atmosphere both in outdoor and indoor spaces” and that the overall architecture is “fresh and open minded”. They especially praised the inviting and playful composition of the children’s spaces.
The concept is simple yet fresh: traditional gabled building wings meet and form a surprising composition at the heart of the building. The wings are the home areas the kindergarten and school, and the central spaces are the venue for common activities, sports and arts and spontaneous learning. In the wings, each children group has their own home entrance, group work lobby, and flexible classrooms or playrooms around it. Every wing opens up towards a green courtyard. Art and self-motivated learning are present both in the school’s curriculum and the architecture.
The building is mostly on one level and can be realized with repeating construction elements. It is designed to be inexpensive to build, yet highly inspiring. It is a very realizable solution, which we always aim at. Our goal is to provide inspiring spaces that are easy to build, easy to understand and fun to dwell in.
