Central Courtyard Design in Hanoi Nghia Do Kindergarten
Nghia Do Kindergarten, designed by Sunjin Vietnam Joint Venture Company, is a striking example of innovative architecture in Hanoi‘s dense urban environment. At its heart lies a central courtyard, creating a vibrant open area that acts as the focal point of this educational haven. The design of this kindergarten is an architectural highlight in the city.
Explore how Kengo Kuma blends nature and urbanity in another design by visiting the master architect’s lifetime work for similar inspiration.

Elliptical Classroom Configuration at Hanoi Nghia Do Kindergarten
The school’s unique architectural structure features elliptical classroom volumes arranged around a triangular courtyard. This configuration promotes natural ventilation and maintains visual connectivity across the playground, enhancing safety and supervision. The curved corridors facilitate seamless transitions and open views for the children navigating the grounds. The preschool’s design is crafted to provide an engaging learning environment.
The classrooms themselves offer flexible spaces conducive to various teaching styles. Each unit is equipped with an adult-sized entrance and a smaller, child-scaled door to encourage independence.

Innovative Use of Louvers and Green Roofing
Multicolored louvers envelop the building, mitigating solar gain while adding vibrant, ever-changing patterns to the interiors. They provide noise reduction and allow for ample daylighting courtesy of generous glazing.
The rooftop extends the kindergarten’s green space into a playful environment, integrating nature with learning. This area, along with the central courtyard, forms a cohesive design that emphasizes outdoor engagement, natural lighting, and air flow. The urban design of this educational facility showcases a harmonious blend of greenery and modern architecture.


A Harmonious Blend of Form and Function
The elliptical classrooms encircle the central playground, forming a protective barrier against urban distractions like noise and traffic. This thoughtful design approach prioritizes both safety and functionality, making it a sanctuary for approximately 600 students in 20 classrooms. The design layout facilitates a productive learning atmosphere.
The intelligent layout supports independent movement, with doors tailored to children’s scale, emphasizing a child-centered ethos.


Embracing Visual and Environmental Connectivity
As the sun travels overhead, the louvers cast dynamic shadows that add visual interest to the spaces. The corridors and staircases, with their fluid curves, ensure gradual and engaging visual experiences as children navigate the school environment.
For more on integrating nature with architecture, see how Rio AI City transforms data centers into green-covered oases.
Overall, Nghia Do Kindergarten exemplifies a strategic fusion of architecture and pedagogy, focusing on natural elements, daylight, ventilation, and connectivity. This kindergarten is a model of educational architecture that integrates functionality with sustainability, offering a holistic environment for young learners.






Project Details
Name: Nghia Do Kindergarten

Architect: Sunjin Vietnam Joint Venture Company | @sunjinvietnam

Location: Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is unique about Nghia Do Kindergarten’s design?
Nghia Do Kindergarten features a central courtyard and elliptical classroom volumes arranged around a triangular courtyard, promoting natural ventilation and visual connectivity. The design integrates nature with urban architecture, offering a vibrant and open educational environment for children.
How do the louvers benefit Nghia Do Kindergarten?
Multicolored louvers mitigate solar gain while adding vibrant patterns to the interiors, ensuring noise reduction and ample daylight. They cast dynamic shadows that enhance visual interest in the school’s spaces.
What is the capacity of Nghia Do Kindergarten?
The kindergarten is designed as a sanctuary for approximately 600 students, accommodated within 20 classrooms.
