The timeless Chinese proverb, “Learning is like rowing upstream; not to advance is to fall back,” resonates more strongly today amid rapid changes and rising expectations. Early education lays the essential foundation, shaping our future decisions and relationships. Kindergarten, therefore, must be a nurturing environment that safeguards and promotes these formative experiences. As architects, our role transcends spatial design; we strive to create learning and teaching settings that are agile, adaptable, and capable of evolving alongside the curriculum to meet emerging educational needs.
Harrow Little Lions Kai Tak represents our twenty-fifth and most advanced iteration in research and design of early years education spaces. Through our journey across various kindergartens and childcare centres, we have explored how different pedagogical approaches influence spatial design and affect children’s interactions. Each project added unique insights, helping us build a robust toolkit and strategic approach for addressing both fundamental and specific needs.
Each project added unique insights, helping us build a robust toolkit and strategic approach for addressing both fundamental and specific needs. Harrow Kai Tak stands as a milestone project that embodies our accumulated knowledge in a cohesive, integrated design closely aligned with the School’s visionary goals.
“Space is limited, but its potential is boundless. How can we systematically design spaces to meet evolving needs?”
Recognising that learning is neither linear nor static, we understand the importance of engaging children through a variety of stimuli presented at strategic moments. Self-initiated learning is the most effective, fostered by careful orchestration of space, movement, and thoughtfully designed stimuli. Our design begins with a neutral backdrop: natural wood palette, softly coloured walls and floors, and evenly diffused lighting create a comfortable, distraction-free environment.
Layered atop this is our “Kit of Parts” concept, a collection of activity stations thoughtfully positioned throughout classrooms and play areas. These range from intimate reading niches and small-group construction corners to interactive role-playing zones, covering the full spectrum of learning and social activities. Children are encouraged not only to explore these stations but to build upon them, tailoring their unique learning journeys. Classroom designs subtly vary, inviting students to engage with multiple settings, further enriching their educational and social experiences. This flexible and adaptive learning model actively cultivates curiosity, collaboration, and creativity on a daily basis.
Sensory regulation and development—a frequently overlooked aspect of kindergarten design—are central to Kai Tak’s layout. Spacious classrooms reduce noise and protect personal space, while large windows and abundant natural light offer visual comfort. Corridors feature openings that ease congestion, and high ceilings enhance acoustics. These sensory considerations collectively help children concentrate better and conserve energy for learning and social interaction. Outside the classrooms, generous play areas support vital gross motor and sensory development, including vestibular and proprioceptive systems. The first floor’s central space is versatile, adaptable for physical activities, obstacle courses, dark room projections, water and sand play, among others. The second-floor play zone connects with the outdoor playground, offering even greater potential through ceiling hooks for varied activities. Integrating outdoor environments indoors benefits children’s health and well-being, underscoring Harrow’s dedication to educational excellence and holistic development.
Safety underpins all aspects of well-being and is paramount in our design philosophy. Our commitment begins with strict exclusion of harmful substances in materials. Every joint, cabinet detail, and hinge gap undergoes rigorous safety scrutiny. We often exceed standard safety measures, such as installing swing gates atop staircases to prevent falls and spanning safety nets over playground areas to protect against falling debris.
Central to our approach is a human-centric design emphasis. Fully embracing Harrow’s vision for future-ready flexibility and self-directed learning, our system enables freely interchangeable spaces that support both current and emerging teaching and learning methods. This “free space” is intentionally non-prescriptive, its elegance evident in clarity and durability. We believe this design will continue evolving alongside the school’s pursuit of excellence, consistently meeting wellness standards that are at the heart of effective learning.
Furniture Supplies that may be of interest:
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Furniture – Beleduc
Beleduc furniture for nurseries and kindergartens features a minimalist, modular design inspired by Italian, Scandinavian, and Asian influences. The range includes durable, safe, and practical pieces like shelves, tables, and cots, made from sturdy plywood with non-toxic finishes, meeting high safety standards.
Sofa – Onmuse
As a furniture manufacturing platform with over 20 years of rich experience, Onmuse boasts advanced, intelligent, and digital production workshops, including laminated partition screens, solid wood finishes, upholstered swivel chairs, and metal cabinets. The company continuously enhances the depth and technology of its manufacturing processes, committed to providing customers with diversified solutions for customized furniture.
