twelve colorful bridges suspend over zigzag elementary school's atrium by SAKO architects

SAKO Architects’ ZIGZAG school in Tianjin employs playful volumes

SAKO Architects, led by Keiichiro Sako, designs ZIGZAG Elementary school in Tianjin, China, following the concept of ‘making it fun just to be at school.’ The elementary school consists of eight volumes that house the regular and special classrooms. These volumes are divided into four levels and arranged in a zigzag pattern. To connect the classrooms across the corridors, twelve bridges are suspended at various angles between the facing volumes. Each volume and each floor has a different color, creating 32 distinct places with diverse combinations. This adds variety and identity to the school architecture, like the 32 team colors.

all images by Misae Hiromatsu

intercrossing bridges permeate the communal atrium space

By semi-enclosing the courtyard, SAKO Architects converts the volume into a large communal space referred to as the ‘atrium.’ Coupled with its colorful appearance and intercrossing bridges, this space has turned into a place where children can thrive and enjoy their school life. The spaces between the eight main volumes are covered with a single large roof, forming a large communal area with a five-story atrium that is semi-indoor. The atrium is well adapted to the local climate, which varies from over 40 degrees Celsius in summer to below -15 degrees Celsius in winter. The atrium has a long and narrow shape, but the zigzag arrangement of the volumes creates a sense of centrality and unity. During recess, children move through the atrium in groups, filling the space with their lively voices.

SAKO Architects designs ZIGZAG Elementary School in Tianjin, China, emphasizing fun and engagement

twelve bridges connect the classrooms across the corridors, suspended at various angles

the volumes are arranged in a zigzag pattern across four levels

the school features eight volumes housing regular and special classrooms

the semi-enclosed courtyard is transformed into a large communal space, the ‘atrium’

the atrium’s colorful appearance and intercrossing bridges create a vibrant environment

the design ensures that ZIGZAG Elementary School is a positive and engaging learning environment

each volume and floor is uniquely colored, creating 32 distinct spaces

the varied colors add variety and identity to the school, resembling 32 team colors

project info:

name: ZIGZAG in Tianjin
architect: SAKO Architects

principal architect: Keiichiro Sako | @keiichiro_sako

interior design: SAKO Architects

floor area: 34,451 sqm

location: Tianjin, China

photography: Misae Hiromatsu

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom