This daycare center in Amsterdam is placed almost entirely underwater to preserve this location and unique atmosphere as it is. The profile of the building surfaces only by very little, catching the eye’‘””’s attention. The whole building revolves around a series of patios. They provide different levels of intimacy that bring light into the school. By moving a set of curved walls over a fixed railing system, users are able to constantly redefine what surrounds them. What is left is a continuous, undefined and non hierarchical space.

For instance, one big open plan to hold any kind of event can be created in a matter of minutes by moving the walls. Some classrooms are also defined by height differences that give a sense of scale to the open layout. A more intimate space runs around the building: the access stairs, service areas, storage and a set of unique spaces that are customised to match the child’s world.

The water around the building will be filtered to become a clean and safe place to swim. The rooftop is a public square. It may be a playground, a meeting space, somewhere to see ships pass by or to dive into the water.

‘Play is a serious matter.’ – J. Huizinga