Keija Houses, China


The quality and joyfullness of the primal form of the circular space lies in its immanent clarity and comprehension as well as in instilling a sense of being included, accepted, and protected.

For this very reason a circular plan with an inner courtyard is an ideal form for a kinderarten.

The simple circular building with logical and uncomplicated concentric organisation allows all children, teachers, administrators, housekeepers and kitchen staff to face each other across the center space of the open courtyard. This creates a safe space for children, which is important not only to children, but also to teachers and parents. The children can be allowed to wander away and explore this space which gives them on the one hand more independence and on the other hand the exerience of community and belonging.

The increased freedom of the children to choose their position and the social dynamic (in this imminently simple circular space) reveal its complex dimension.

The circular empty space, despite its strong architectural quality and despite the excitement and inspiration it provokes, is rarely experienced. Examples of such spaces are the Pantheon, the Plaza de Toros de Ronda in Spain, and the Keija Houses in China (link to references).

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