Tianjin KIST International School Kindergarten + Library Project

Location: Yale Road No. 300-381, Xiqing District, Tianjin Interior Design Area:  552㎡
Design company：DKAU DESIGN GROUP
Project Designer : KIM SINCHUL Design time: 2025.5
The Montessori philosophy of “free choice” and “child-centered” education transforms space into a stage for creativity, while cultivating a balance between independence and collaboration.
The design embraces simplicity and nature to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Seamless indoor-outdoor connections open up visual and behavioral freedom, while spatial continuity enhances the overall experience by offering diverse environments.
Overall view of the library
The library is not just a gathering place for books; it is a stage for communication and a port for spiritual growth. How can we transform the library into a free and open reading space? In this overall space design, bookshelves are not just furniture for holding books; they can also be used to separate and decorate the space, seamlessly blending reading with spatial experiences to create a quiet and comfortable cultural atmosphere for students.
View from the Entrance Towards the Corridor
To create an open-concept library, the designer replaced the original heavy walls with glass walls, significantly expanding the visual openness. The corridor’s leisure reading space is designed to provide pedestrians with a brief reading experience while fostering a comfortable and open environment. By blending functionality with aesthetics, this transitional space allows visitors to immerse themselves in a cultural atmosphere. The area is furnished with lightweight high stools and built-in lounge benches to support short-term reading and relaxation.
During the renovation, a dedicated dynamic circulation space was incorporated into the library’s core functional zone, focusing on book classification, management, and display with a clear functional layout. The bookshelves are elevated, and study tables are interspersed between them, facilitating student learning and discussion while enhancing their connection with books. Eco-friendly materials were selected, with a color palette centered around natural wood tones and soft neutral shades, creating a warm cultural ambiance.
Overall view of the kindergarden
After passing through the outdoor play area, a new main entrance to the kindergarten has been established, strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing more convenient access to the children's classrooms.
Kindergarten Classroom
The classroom is designed around the core concepts of warmth, safety, and freedom, aiming to create a home-like atmosphere that fosters a sense of comfort and belonging. The overall color scheme features off-white and natural wood tones, while the floor is finished with PVG vinyl material. Soft lighting complements the space to establish a cozy and inviting learning environment, stimulating emotional resonance and security among young children.At the center, a learning and activity area is formed with modular tables, encouraging flexible spatial use and enhancing interactive teaching experiences.