Puddles by Design

07/01/2015

I'm more interested in arousing enthusiasm in kids than in teaching the facts. The facts may change, but that enthusiasm for exploring the world will remain with them the rest of their lives.
Seymour Simon, writer of science books for children

The soon-to-hit-the-streets (and the cloud!) July/August issue of Exchange will focus on design issues. To whet your appetite for this exciting issue, take a look at the Dai-ichi Yochien preschool in Kumamoto City, Japan, that was designed to take advantage of the weather.

"The courtyard of the school is designed to accumulate rain water so that after a heavy downpour there is a gigantic, pool-like puddle just waiting for the kids to come out and play, explains Taku Hibino. The lead architect at Hibino Sekkei designed the courtyard so that on dry days it can function as a badminton or softball court and in the winter it can even be converted to an ice skating rink. Rain or shine, these kids will always be able to go outside."

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.