Fukuoka Pinocchio Kindergarten

This certified preschool, with a capacity of 216 children, is planned for Naka River City in Fukuoka Prefecture. A lunchroom was strategically placed between the classrooms for 3- to 5-year-olds, connected through a stairwell to create a shared public space that encourages interaction. This area is not only used for meals, but also serves multiple purposes – ranging from sports and play to important ceremonies such as entrance and graduation celebrations.

At the rear of the building, a courtyard features a multilevel design between the first and second floors. As children run around in circles, they move between upper and lower levels, forming a visually continuous relationship with the classrooms for 0-, 1-, and 2-year-olds on the ground floor. This layout fosters a strong sense of connection throughout the school, allowing children to feel engaged with their surroundings – both indoors and out.

The structure is built using reinforced concrete (RC) for enhanced fire resistance, weather durability, and sound insulation.