Under The Tree Educational Institute

Under The Tree Educational Institute

Under the Tree Educational Institute is an innovative educational facility located in Taipei City, Taiwan, designed to provide a nature-inspired learning environment for children aged 1 to 6 years. This Silver A' Design Award-winning interior design project, conceived by designers Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan, represents a significant advancement in early childhood educational spaces within urban environments. The institute's design philosophy centers around creating an organic, child-friendly atmosphere that counterbalances the metropolitan setting of Taipei City, where natural play spaces are limited. The focal point of the 85-square-meter space is a masterfully crafted centerpiece tree, combining traditional woodworking with advanced CNC fabrication technology, featuring a wooden trunk that encases an existing structural column and extends into branches and leaves crafted from honeycomb cardboard sheets. The design emphasizes the use of natural, non-toxic materials throughout the space, primarily utilizing wood and paper elements to ensure a safe and healthy environment for young learners. The facility incorporates multiple learning zones, including a market-play area beneath the central tree structure, reading spaces, and areas for puzzle-solving and physical activities. The 3.7-meter ceiling height contributes to a sense of spaciousness and airiness, while the careful material selection and implementation demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable design practices and child safety. The project, completed between 2014 and 2016, represents a significant research contribution to child-centered design, particularly in its approach to scale, tactile experiences, and the integration of natural elements within educational spaces. This innovative learning environment earned recognition at the A' Design Award and Competition in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design category, acknowledging its excellence in creating a space that harmoniously combines educational functionality with biophilic design principles.

educational design, biophilic architecture, child-centered learning, sustainable interiors, nature-inspired spaces, urban educational facilities

— Adam Dawson