Diagram for Taika Kindergarten
OOPEAA Architectrs Seinajoki, Finland 2017
Digital Drawing College of Architecture, Washington University in St. Louis Fall 2019
Digital Drawing College of Architecture, Washington University in St. Louis Fall 2019
Precedent Analysis
Before designing my own kindergarten for the Forest Park Kindergarten project, I analyzed and diagrammed existing kindergartens to understand the successful elements of their design. I focused on how Taika Kindergarten, though located in the arctic circle, was able to maximize the comfort of its students.
Sun Diagram
Due to the long, mostly sunless schooldays, the architect has chosen to orient the trafficked exterior areas of the school to maximize the children’s exposure to sunlight. As indicated in the diagram, regardless of the time of year, the sun gives off its maximum amount of energy directly in front of both of the play areas. Also indicated in the diagram is how much the angle of the sun relative to the ground can vary throughout the year. The smaller the angle, the less energy from the sun hits the surface of the earth, making it especially important to maximize student’s exposure to whatever sun available.
Wind Exposure Diagram
Interestingly, the architect decided on a orientation for the kindergarten that would subject much of the play area to the brunt of the wind, which overwhelmingly comes in from the Southwest. This was most likely done so that the effect of sunlight could be maximized. Nonetheless, the architect compensated for some of the oncoming wind by sheltering the larger play area with one of the building's wings, without compromising on star shaped design. This results in areas of varying felt temperature, as wind significantly lowers the body’s ability to retain heat.