Moriyuki Ochiai: Pixy Hall

For the interior of a kindergarten in Kanagawa, Moriyuki Ochiai Architects designed a playground that resembles a big mountain, where children and adults can expand their imagination.

Pixy Hall is an interior of kindergarten which is specific for art education.

The plan proposes a multi-purpose space to carry out regular nursery activities as well as special activities for both children and adults such as concerts, performances, exhibitions and workshops for children. Therefore, by installing playground equipment shaped like a big mountain, which prompt various activities, the architects aimed to create a space where children and adults can expand their imagination.

Ochiai-Pixy-Hall_01 — Moriyuki Ochiai Architects, *Pixy Hall*, Kanagawa, Japan

The mountain shape prompts a variety uses, such as seats for concerts, a stage for dance and theatrical performances or a display area for exhibitions by artists and children.

The height difference between adults and children brings about different ways to perceive and enjoy this environment while promoting communication between them.

A surface used as a counter by adults placed at child's height appears as a consecutive arch over houses to children. From a kid's perspective, the mountain rises from the clouds changing gradually from white to brown while adults looking down from the top of the mountain can see the clouds floating below.

Ochiai-Pixy-Hall_02 — Moriyuki Ochiai Architects, *Pixy Hall*, Kanagawa, Japan

Spaces with different qualities abound in and out of the mountain, where colorful triangular chairs can be assembled to create one's own place and discover new uses to one's surroundings.

This environment develops the imagination, expression, communication and creativity skills of children and adults alike.

The same setting can be equally enjoyed by children and their parents who see and use their surroundings according to different scales of perception.

This space has the flexibility to accommodate events where local residents of all ages can gather, strengthening the bonds between parents and offspring, their families and other members of the community.