In the heart of Piove di Sacco, Padua, Italy, a revolutionary kindergarten named Kinder Rain has emerged, designed by the local architecture studio, Atelier Architettura Chinello Morandi (AACM). This innovative space, spanning 672 square meters, is a testament to the studio's unique vision, aiming to create a familiar and welcoming environment for both the pupils and the local community. The kindergarten's design is inspired by the traditional Veneto cabins, known as Casone Veneto, with its iconic pyramidal roofs, evoking the feel of a small village. The studio's co-founder, Rodolfo Morandi, shared with Dezeen, "The idea of building a public piece of architecture made us think about how to link the project to the history of the place, to make it a building that is welcomed and understood by locals."
Kinder Rain's design is a masterpiece of spatial planning. The classrooms are organized around a central playroom, or 'agora', which acts as a connecting space, eliminating the need for circulation corridors. Each classroom boasts steep, high ceilings with skylights, designed to ignite the imaginations of the children. The minimal palette of wooden floors, white walls, and wood fibre panel ceilings not only controls acoustics in the taller spaces but also pays homage to the traditional thatched roofs of Casone Veneto. The building's perimeter features three courtyards or 'external classrooms', opening out onto the surrounding site through large openings, where a paved walkway and concrete bench seating create a seamless transition from the interior to the exterior.
The external design of Kinder Rain is equally impressive. Both the walls and roof are clad in terracotta tiles, with external concrete benches and window frames finished in a matching shade, creating a cohesive and welcoming exterior. This 'reddish unity' is a signature of AACM's design philosophy. Founded in 2020 by Morandi and Nicolò Chinello, AACM is a Milan and Padua-based architecture studio that has quickly gained recognition for its innovative and community-focused designs. Kinder Rain is a prime example of their commitment to creating spaces that are not only functional but also deeply connected to the local history and culture.
