01Public Architecture

The Cat Bus Kindergarten.

Organic Learning Environment · Kindergarten

01/04

Site plan showing the curved kindergarten, landscaped paths and play areas

A NOTE ON THIS PROJECT

Space for
the story.

An imagined kindergarten conceived as an organic learning environment. Its protective curved form and flowing interior take inspiration from childhood stories and the idea of a building that feels both safe and adventurous.

PROJECT TYPE: Public Architecture
YEAR: 2025/26
LOCATION: Site location not identified on the supplied boards
CONTEXT: Cracow University of Technology · Faculty of Architecture · Public Utility Building Design · Year 3 / Semester 6
ROLE: Student author: Amridaa Otgonbaatar
STUDIO CREDITS: Course leader: Prof. Mateusz Gyurkovich; group leaders: Katarzyna Kowalska and Marek Leja

02 / THE IDEA

From first thought
to form.

The design begins with two narrative references: the enclosed, protective belly of the whale in Pinocchio and the Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro. These references inform the sweeping shape, internal circulation and playful spaces for young children. Ami also studied Kindergarten in Re Guastalla by Mario Cucinella Architects as a precedent in designing for childhood imagination.

02 / LANDSCAPE

Learning continues outside.

The 6,620 m² site is planned as a combination of indoor learning and age-specific outdoor spaces. The boards allocate play areas for three-year-olds, four- to five-year-olds and six- to seven-year-olds, together with a sensory garden, an outdoor classroom, planting beds and a shared lawn.

Entrances, drop-off, pedestrian movement and service circulation are considered as part of the overall site strategy.

01 / DrawingSite plan and landscape programme, academic board page 3

03 / SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

A curved path through the day.

The ground-floor and upper-floor drawings arrange classrooms, collective spaces and service zones around the curved footprint and central atrium. The shared interior works as a place for orientation, gathering and play.

01 / DrawingGround-floor plan showing classrooms, atrium and service areas

02 / DrawingFirst-floor plan with gallery and shared spaces

03LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER

In detail.

CLICK IMAGES TO ZOOM ↗

01 / VisualExterior visualization of the kindergarten

02 / DrawingEarly concept sketches illustrating the development of a curved building form

04 / DrawingBuilding sections through the indoor learning environment

NOTHING IS FINISHED ALL AT ONCE

Every sketch is a place to begin.