At Fuji Kindergarten near Tokyo, children experience a unique, non-traditional setting designed specifically for them. The school, with its oval shape, features an occupiable roof that doubles as a playground, while trees grow through classrooms and through roofs.

Architect Takaharu Tezuka emphasizes the importance of adopting a child's perspective. Drawing inspiration from his own children, aged twelve and nine, whom he describes as integral to who he is, Tezuka and his wife Yui crafted the school's design. Observing their children's growth and preferences guided them in creating an environment that truly caters to kids' needs. [1]

The Montessori Method empowers children to explore and discover at their own pace, and Tezuka Architects has included this idea by working with innovative designs and materials that reimagines educational space for Kindergarteners, in contrast to traditional learning spaces. With their "nostalgic future" design concept, Tezuka Architects created an environment that encourages creativity, exploration, curiosity, and learning. Through their commitment to providing children with a space that fosters free thinking and self-discovery, they have created an environment that is unique in that it has a "healthy dose of danger", the open doors and minimal walls of the structure opens up to the natural environment. Their unique and thoughtful approach shows their dedication to children to think freely and discover their own interests. [2]

The building itself functions as a playground for children instead of the traditional play equipment seen in many traditional schools. Its ring-shaped design encourages interaction and inclusivity among children. The rooftop doubles as a running track and a playground, with safety measures built-in. Handrails were installed around the perimeter to provide safety and comfortable seating. The low roof height facilitates exploration and play, creating a closer connection between the different levels.

The deck of the building features skylights that illuminate the classrooms beneath it and also offer a view of the children for those on the deck. The structure also has gargoyles that direct rainwater into funnels, forming spontaneous water features for children to enjoy. The classrooms have sliding doors at ground level, which can be opened up to the outdoors in favorable weather. Instead of traditional walls, the architects used child-friendly boxes made of light wood, which can be stacked to form shelves and display areas, and have rounded edges for safety.

Tezuka believes that traditional classroom layouts are not conducive to creating a favorable learning environment. He suggests that the open-plan design can encourage independence and collaboration among students, allowing them to engage without feeling restricted to their seats for long periods of time. By keeping the classrooms accessible, ambient noise, similar to the gentle hum found in natural settings, can contribute to the learning atmosphere. Tezuka was inspired by composer and molecular biologist Tsutomu Ohashi during a vacation in Bali when he attended an Indonesian music performance. He realized that the surrounding jungle noise, which he had subconsciously filtered, obscured the sounds of the performance. He described, "Just as a fish cannot live in purified water, children cannot live in a clean, quiet, and controlled environment." [3]

Fuji Kindergarten is an example of child-centric design. The entire design process included the study of the needs and experiences of children, which led to a welcoming and stimulating environment that promotes learning and play, as well as a closeness and better interaction with nature. Through observational research and an understanding of child psychology, the architects understood the importance spatial planning, scale, and materials, resulting in a structure that focuses on the well-being of children. In addition to being child-centric, the design of Fuji Kindergarten also includes nature into the structure, such as trees that go through the building, and play spaces built around mature trees. The integration of the building with the natural environment provides a sensory experience that makes strong connection with nature. Incorporating natural elements such as trees, gardens, and open-air classrooms, enhances the sensory experience and promotes children’s health and creativity. The open-plan layout of Fuji Kindergarten allows for multi-use of space, encouraging exploration and collaborative learning activities for children. And modular furniture and walls allow for flexible spaces to accommodate the community. 

Looking at the numerous awards achieved by Tezuka Architects in their design of the Fuji Kindergarten, it is evident that the school is well received and lauded due to its thoughtful approach and design.

1. Ha, Thu-Huong. “Inside the World’s Best Kindergarten.” ideas.ted.com, April 24, 2015. https://ideas.ted.com/inside-the-worlds-best-kindergarten/.
2. author, author: Guest, Author: Chalkbeat National, and author: Simon Weedy. “Fuji Kindergarten: The Key to Better Childhood.” Child in the City, March 19, 2024. https://www.childinthecity.org/2016/05/05/fuji-kindergarten-the-key-to-better-childhood/?gdpr=accept.
3. India Block |  2 October 2017    3 comments. “Tokyo Kindergarten by Tezuka Architects Lets Children Run Free on the Roof.” Dezeen, October 2, 2017. https://www.dezeen.com/2017/10/02/fuji-kindergarten-tokyo-tezuka-architects-oval-roof-deck-playground/.
4. “The Best Kindergarten You’ve Ever Seen | Takaharu Tezuka.” YouTube, April 12, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5jwEyDaR-0.