The proposed nursery school reimagines early childhood education spaces through nature-inspired architecture. The structure features flowing curved shapes that create a welcoming, sheltering, and stimulating environment. By moving away from austere, rectangular forms, we foster a sense of freedom, protection, and emotional comfort in children.

The main layout is created by a rigid orthogonal shape that evolves inwards into an array of round volumes. This scheme recalls the clusters of dwellings and fenced yards in traditional Senegalese villages. It is based on the spatial archetype of a rural Sub-Saharan community. The polycentrality of the arrangement echoes the compounds of round huts and implies a system where the order of things lies no longer in hierarchy but in mutual relations.

Such a group of curvilinear shapes also resembles types of natural formations. It’s evocative of the flowers stemming from the same branch and are connected into an inflorescence. The curved surfaces create intimate, womb-like spaces, establishing an underlying connection with nature.

A central courtyard can host play, gatherings and group activities. As it is shaped by the convexity of the walls, its vibrant boundary resonates with children’s vivacity and stimulates imagination and exploration. Smooth curves also eliminate harsh corners, minimizing injury risks while creating a joyful impression of fluidity.

Functionally, the nursery school consists of five classrooms, one versatile educational room, office space that includes a healthcare area, and a dining space. Additional parts are the storage space, toilets for school staff and toilets for children.

In terms of construction, the bearing walls are made of clay bricks. They are partially perforated to allow diffused natural light to come in, but also to enable ventilation. Mud bricks are used for partitions at toilets. Window screens are made by thin wild bamboo. The roof structure is made from rosewood rafters and covered by corrugated metal sheets. Palm trunks are used for the limited posts and main beams. Wild bamboo ceilings are fixed under the roof rafters for thermal protection.

Interior floors are formed of poured concrete over a compressed crashed stone layer. They are finished with embedded broken tiles. In the unroofed areas, the crashed stone layer is covered with compressed red earth. Slight slopes will allow the drainage of the storm water.  Only six elliptical parts of the courtyard floor, indicating the entrance process, are covered with concrete.

The proposed school is more than a public facility. It’s a nurturing ecosystem where organic shapes support cognitive, emotional, and physical growth, laying a foundation for a fulfilling adult life.