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Architecture

2024

Photographer : T.GRIDS

Cradled in the serene village of Ayyanthol in the cultural capital of Kerala, this enchanting playschool and kids’ community center is a testament to architectural ingenuity and thoughtful design. Situated within a suburban landscape with a close-knit community, “Tot Land” is a multifunctional space, serving as a haven for children aged 3 to 10 during school hours and transforming into an entertainment hub for families in the afternoons. Spanning a total of 4000 sq. ft. this project is a snug and inviting children’s haven brought to life by Studio Roaming Ants with thoughtful attention to detail. With its unique blend of functionality and imagination, the center is designed to host parties, workshops, and community events, solidifying its role as a vibrant cornerstone for the community.

The design encompasses three primary elements: an outdoor play area and two meticulously crafted classrooms. The architects envisioned a space that maximizes utility while fostering a whimsical, child-friendly atmosphere. The design narrative draws inspiration from a fairytale-like environment, allowing children to immerse themselves in imaginative pretend play. To break away from the conventional, the project eschews the bright, overwhelming colors typical of playschools, opting instead for a palette of muted, sophisticated tones that exude a calming yet playful charm.

The exterior of the building is adorned with subtle hues; pastel tones which harmonize with the surrounding suburban aesthetic. Inside, the classrooms feature a thoughtfully curated palette: showcasing shades that exude whimsy and curiosity. Different tones and hues of blue, yellow and orange have been proven to stimulate creativity and promote relaxation. The architects’ choice of pastel tones of these colours ties together the function and beauty of the project. The touch of green maintains the outdoor gleam indoors as well. This meticulous attention to color creates an environment that is visually pleasing and emotionally soothing for children.

The design of the buildings highlight organic forms, with rounded windows and circular doors lending a whimsical, storybook quality to the structure. These elements, combined with large apertures, flood the interiors with natural light, fostering an open and inviting atmosphere.

“The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite children to conduct his own experiences.” - Maria Montessori

Thrissur,Kerala,India

Architects	:	Studio Roaming Ants
Area	:	4844 sq. ft.
Year	:	2024
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/studio_roamingants?igsh=ZngyOW9xYms1N2cy&utm_source=qr

Classroom of Totland Kids Community Center by Studio Roaming Ants

The classrooms are designed with engaging nooks and corners, each dedicated to stimulating the imagination. Pretend play structures such as a castle, ship decks with sails, small bridges, and thematic play zones create an environment that sparks curiosity and wonder. Signature zones include an ice cream stand, a miniature salon, a farmers’ market, and a pirate ship complete with a lower deck. The spaces are further enriched with stimulating games and interactive features peppered across the hall to captivate and engage the young minds.

The project’s construction emphasizes sustainability and cost-effectiveness, aligning with the client’s budgetary concerns. Existing steel frames were repurposed, and recycled materials such as plywood and multi-recycled components were integrated into the design. This approach not only minimized costs but also adhered to environmentally conscious practices, showcasing the architects’ commitment to sustainability without compromising on creativity and daring innovation.

“The school environment should foster creativity, not confine it. It should be like a playground where children feel free to express themselves.” - Gijubhai Badheka

Classroom of Totland Kids Community Center by Studio Roaming Ants

Indoor play area of Totland Kids Community Center by Studio Roaming Ants

Playground of Totland Kids Community Center by Studio Roaming Ants

The outdoor play area is a masterpiece of thoughtful design, making maximum use of the available space to provide diverse opportunities for physical and cognitive development. Two circular tracks navigate through the play area, doubling as a "road system" where children can drive miniature vehicles while learning road rules, complete with traffic signs and pedestrian crossings. These winding paths delineate zones for different types of activities: mindful, cognitive games in the "Blue Road" and active, physical games in the "Red Road." The landscaping creates a secluded, tranquil bubble around the property, blending kid-friendly plants with aesthetic greenery to ensure safety and visual appeal. Shaded nooks, sensory gardens, and open spaces for exploration enhance the outdoor experience, making it a haven for imaginative and physical play.

Playground of Totland Kids Community Center by Studio Roaming Ants

The play area features an array of interactive elements, including a garden area, a petting corner with animals, a mud pit, climbing structures, and ample seating surrounded by lush fauna. Games such as football, xylophones, seesaws, swing balls, slides, spiral slides, tic-tac-toe, double swings, tunnels, bridges, and more populate the space, ensuring that every child finds something to engage with. The architects’ vision of a dynamic, immersive outdoor environment is brought to life with these features, creating a harmonious blend of utility and imagination.

From the moment one enters the site, the journey is transformative. The winding pathway leads to an inviting facade, characterized by its soft, earthy tones and rounded facades. The transition from indoors to outdoors is seamless, encouraging free movement and interaction. The classrooms and outdoor spaces are interconnected, fostering a sense of continuity and community. The landscaping not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also amplifies the sensory experience, making the entire space feel like an immersive, otherworldly realm.

Playground of Totland Kids Community Center by Studio Roaming Ants

This playschool and community center is not just a building; it is a space where imagination takes flight, creativity flourishes, and a sense of belonging is cultivated. The architects have masterfully balanced functionality, sustainability, and whimsy to create a design that redefines early childhood education and community engagement. With its thoughtful details, purposeful spaces, and innovative use of materials, this project stands as a benchmark for playschool architecture—a place where every element tells a story and every child’s imagination is free to soar.