A preschool educational institution with a total area of just over 1000 square meters is a bit like a fortification. True, you cannot call him dull or frightening.
In 2009 Bolles + Wilson won the competition for the renovation of the former St. Sebastian Church in Münster and its conversion into a kindergarten. The brick walls remind of the past of the buildings, but the authors of the project changed the plan of the object, and now an almost regular ellipse lies at the base of the building.
On the two lower floors of the former church, there are five group rooms, as well as a 2-level play area where kids can frolic in any weather. In summer it is not hot in this room, and in winter it is not too cold and dry in any season. The 50x50 cm openings in the brickwork ensure natural ventilation of the play space all year round. However, on the territory of the garden there is also an open area, where pupils are taken out on fine days.
The original roof had skylights cut through to allow sunlight to enter. From the inside, on the walls of the playroom, with the help of acoustic panels, schematic "pixel" images of an elephant, a giant snake and a crocodile are laid out. The floor is covered with a special protective coating of bright green color so that children do not fill themselves with bumps during outdoor games. The protective coating contains "prints" of huge feet and palms, which could easily belong to some fabulous giant.
A wedge-shaped volume is attached to the stone "bastion", inside of which there is a large multi-purpose room (analogous to the usual hall for holding matinees), as well as a kitchen, technical rooms and administration offices. The entrance area is glazed: so parents who are looking forward to their children with joy can see them from afar.
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