Wood-Clad Fagerborg Kindergarten Offers a Stimulating Environment for Children in Norway

Studies show that diversified and well-designed learning environments are crucial to a child's intellectual development. Thus, when Norwegian firm <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/reiulf-ramstad-architects/" target="_blank">Reiulf Ramstad Architects</a> (RRA) was commissioned to design a new kindergarten for the Fagerborg Congregation in central <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/oslo" target="_blank">Oslo</a>, they set out to create a stimulating environment conducive to young children. Completed over the course of seven years, RRA's Fagerborg Kindergarten is a wood-clad structure with a dynamic interior split into four units that can be combined together or used separately.

To respect the character of the surrounding early 20th century residential buildings, RRA clad the kindergarten with wood in the vertical grain direction to blend the structure into the landscape.

RRA also gave the timber volume a distinctive and contemporary shape.

One end of the building lifts up and off the ground into a cantilever that shelters the main entrance below.

A series of square windows punctuate the exterior at different heights.

In contrast to its mostly monochromatic facade, the interior is filled with art, colorful staircases, and whimsical shapes.

The building offers two units for children aged 1 to 3 years old and two units for children 3 to 6 years old.

The kindergarten is also attached to an enclosed outdoor play area.

Fagerborg Kindergarten Elevation.

Fagerborg Kindergarten plan view.