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Buildner is proud to announce the results of the second edition of the Kinderspace: Architecture for Children’s Development competition—a global call for visionary ideas that reimagine early childhood education spaces. Following the success of the inaugural competition, this year's challenge once again invited architects and designers to explore how architecture can better support young learners’ creativity, growth, and well-being. Participants were encouraged to design kindergartens that move beyond conventional classroom layouts, integrating nature, flexibility, and sensory-rich environments in a culturally responsive context of their own choosing.
The competition received proposals from around the world, each reflecting unique approaches to nurturing development through design. Submissions were reviewed by an accomplished international jury of architects, educators, and designers with experience in childhood learning environments. The top entries stood out for their originality, sensitivity, and architectural clarity—each presenting inspiring alternatives to traditional educational models. Winning designs emphasized ecological responsibility, adaptive spatial thinking, and a child-centered philosophy that embraces play, exploration, and emotional connection.
First prize was awarded to Kenneth Anggara, Marco Kuo, and Emma Aleah Garm-Straker (UK) for Nest, a kindergarten embedded in the forested landscape of Canada, shaped by the metaphor of protection and openness. Second prize went to Longyi Zhou (Netherlands) for Outside-In, a flexible and climate-conscious project that blurs the line between classroom and natural world. Third prize was awarded to Zihe Chen and Thomas Doan (Australia) for Playful Past, which transforms an industrial heritage site into a layered, story-driven learning campus. The student award went to Silvia-Elena Maxim (Romania) for Brick Bond, a culturally grounded kindergarten that strengthens community through familiar forms and spatial continuity. Margaret Graham Brandow and Abraham Cordell Silvers (USA) received the sustainability award for their fire-resilient, nature-integrated concept in California.
Visit https://architecturecompetitions.com/kinderspace2/ to explore all winning, honorable mention, and shortlisted projects.
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1st Prize
2nd Prize
3rd Prize
Student Prize
Sustainability Award
