Learning something early on is the best way to ensure that a person establishes a lifelong connection to it. It could be learning a language or to appreciate a hobby, or it could be something a little… larger.
That's the philosophy behind the Farming Kindergarten in Vietnam's southeastern Dong Nai province.
Created by Vo Trong Nghia Architects, the elementary school looks both futuristic and like it sprang right out of the Earth.
It's no secret that a connection to the natural world is hugely important. Just look at how amazingly hurting humans respond to therapy animals. And when it happens at a young age, they become lifelong lovers of animals.
With that in mind, the architects of the Farming Kindergarten decided to use the school itself to teach kids the importance, and the joy, of protecting the environment.
The result is a multilevel, looping building with green, growing rooftops for plenty of outdoor play, as well as education about plants and how they grow.
In addition, it's built using recycled material, is powered with solar energy, and has a number of other eco-friendly features.
Check out this amazing school below!
[H/T: My Modern Met]
From here, the Farming Kindergarten in Dong Nai, Vietnam, looks like any other pleasant elementary school, with a large lawn in the center where kids can play.
But it gets better…
The school serves some 500 preschool and kindergarten-aged children, and all of them need a safe and fun place to play.
And what would make that even better? If they were learning at the same time.
From here, you can see how amazing the school is.
It's designed in a three-pronged loop shape (technically known as a triquetra) across two floors, with the rooftops eventually spiraling down to ground level.
This way, the kids and teachers can access the building's rooftop gardens.
And it's even more impressive from above. From this angle, you can see the interlocking shape of the building and the green roof.
They make for plenty of playground and exploration space without needing extra land.
And because Vietnam has a tropical climate, the outdoor spaces can be enjoyed year-round.
They also make perfect, hands-on spaces for teaching kids about agriculture, food production, and the life cycles of plants.
Of course, the school has indoor classroom space, too, like this breezy room full of windows and natural light.
There are also these passageway sections that can serve as open-air classrooms, meeting areas, or event spaces.
There have been many proposals around the world to create idyllic, green community spaces like this one, but the Farming Kindergarten not only really exists, but it's totally functional.
Not only is it providing a unique education for hundreds of kids, the Farming Kindergarten has also received an award from the Vietnam Green Building Council, and the architects hope that it will inspire other green schools around the world.
You can see more of Vo Trong Nghia's green designs, both built and conceptual, on their website and Facebook page.
Be sure to SHARE this incredible school and make those hopes come true!
