TYIN Tegnestue is a non-profit composed of architectural students from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and recently notable for their small-scale projects in Thailand that address social needs and cultural context without sacrificing architectural quality; characterized by innovative uses of local materials. Their Soe Ker Tie House project (Butterfly Houses, so named by the workers) for an orphanage on the Thai-Burmese border, was designed to "somehow recreate what these children would have experienced in a more normal situation. We wanted every child to have their own private space, a home to live in and a neighbourhood where they could interact and play."
So the the six sleeping units they constructed contain some dedicated playspaces of swings (built for one or many, that's important) and chess tables. But my favorite aspect of the project is that it incorporates many small elements that are play opportunities without explicitly making a playground; the whole site is eminently playable. Look for the bench between two trees, the stairsteps formed from tires, the changes in level, the intriguing windows...and do visit archdaily to see complete photos, including a beautiful library space and bathhouse they also built for the orphanage. TYIN Tegnestue are currently engaged in new projects in Haiti and Sumatra; can't wait to hear more.
That design is touching.
ReplyDelete