The Wholesale Market: Kindergarten & Daycare Complex | Sarit Shani Hay

The 3,000 m² space is inhabited by children aged 3 months to 6 years full of excitement and energy. The complex is comprised of three daycare classes, six kindergarten classes and a communal lobby. The design of the educational center was inspired by the history of the site and the city of Tel Aviv. A fruit and vegetable motif can be seen throughout the space, along with market stalls, crates, delivery trucks and market life. These themes were transformed into functional objects such as libraries, storage units etc. The 130 m² communal lobby's design is based on the sculptural graphic language inspired by Nahum Gutman's book "The Path of the Orange Peel". The main wall is comprised of padded alcoves designed in different geometrical shapes allowing seating, reading and resting. A huge padded orange located at the center encourages interactive play. Throughout the daycare's corridor, various colorful wooden playhouses invite kids to play and explore. The space design took into account both the pedagogical needs and the desire to promote a friendly playful setting, which offers hands-on activity and a lasting experience.