The former textile manufacture in the district of Hongqiao in the metropolitan Area of Shanghai will be transformed in order accommodate a large day care center for 400 children from the age of 0 to 6. The architetural concept follows and embodies the educational philosophy based on the concept of co-construction developed by Prof. Dr. Wassilios E. Fthenakis. The challenge resides in transforming the poorly lit and worn down building structure into a child friendly environment, without loosing the industrial character and loft-quality of the structure. The large floor plates are structured by three new staircases and an atrium. The groups of the children are structured by light built-in alcoves that group like houses in a village around a common central space, the "Piazza".  

Shanghai—Hongqiao 2018
Fthenakis Ropee Architektenkooperative