JUNG/ALT Research Studio (Winter Semester 2014/15)

The wonderful word “KINDERGARTEN” has been adopted into many languages because it is not merely a term but a program in itself, and because it explains that program through a spatial concept. Architecture plays more than just a supporting role in education: as the saying goes, “space is the third teacher.” The kindergarten design project is therefore a good opportunity, within the Design Research specialization, to practice translating an educational concept into a spatial framework and a architectural form, taking into account the aspects of its use.

Kindergartens are n o child’s play. They possess considerable functional complexity and are subject to a high density of regulations. During the boom in kindergarten construction in recent years, following the 2008 Child Promotion Act, numerous high-quality kindergarten buildings have been constructed. However, time and financial constraints took precedence over pedagogical considerations: “a lot—fast—cheap” was the motto, and thus most daycare centers were built according to the specifications of standard space allocation plans. The DR Profile Project will therefore focus on educational intentions and the question of which spatial strategies enable the optimal translation of these ideas.

Furthermore, no thought was given to what will become of all these daycare centers if the aging of the population progresses as dramatically as predicted. In the spirit of sustainability, another task is thus added to the topic of kindergartens: the examination of a potential future use—for example, by leveraging programmatic similarities—as a home for the elderly, an “ALTENGARTEN.”

As part of the DR Profile Project, totaling 30 credits—Research Studio in the Winter Semester 14/15 and Profile Project with an Advanced Seminar in the Summer Semester 15—we will examine the “Kindergarten” building project on various levels:

Research Studio in the Winter Semester 14/15:

educational concepts and built examples

legal requirements and safety aspects

in each case: building for children / building for the elderly

specialized lecture + short excursion

initial test designs

Note:

The Research Studio is open to MA students; DR specialization students will be given priority.

Advanced Seminar in Spring Semester 2015:

Development and structuring of a space program for interior and exterior spaces

For each: Children’s Center / Senior Center

Off-the-cuff designs for individual program components

Specialized lecture + short excursion

Advance notice: Profile Project PRO-2.1-10 / DR Master’s Specialization in Summer Semester 15

YOUNG / OLD

Development of programmatic and spatial alternatives

Design of a kindergarten / Design of a senior center garden

Participation in the Research Studio during the Winter Semester 14/15 is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in the DR Profile Project in the Summer Semester 2015

Marc Matzken (M.A.)
Christopher Unger (Dipl.-Ing.)