VIASCAPE Design has completed the Flying Chess Kindergarten project in Shanghai, China, featuring an innovative landscape architecture approach that integrates natural habitat design with early childhood education. The 2,800-square-meter project, completed in 2025, represents a collaboration between the design firm and Shanghai's Xuhui Science and Technology Kindergarten on their Wending campus.
The project originated from an unexpected connection when teachers from Xuhui Science and Technology Kindergarten repeatedly visited Tianlin Park, another VIASCAPE project completed in late 2023. The educators discovered that the park's natural habitat design philosophy aligned perfectly with their ongoing early childhood nature education program, leading to initial contact with the design team in April 2025.
Lead designer Sun Yijia worked alongside a comprehensive team including MA Li, WU Tingting, MA Qiao, JI Yuwei, YAO Weiyan, LV Zihan, and ZHOU Mi to create the kindergarten's landscape enhancement. The design team was invited to provide guided tours of Tianlin Park for the kindergarten teachers, introducing them to the concept of landscape-oriented natural habitat design and the integrated "urban habitat" approach that combines natural, vibrant, and cultural elements.
The collaborative design process was marked by mutual inspiration between educators and designers, establishing a solid foundation for the project's development. The kindergarten design incorporates elements that support nature-based learning experiences for young children, reflecting the educational institution's commitment to environmental education and outdoor learning.
The project involved multiple specialized contractors and consultants, including Dongda Design Group as the LDI (Local Design Institute), Shanghai Dexin Construction Engineering Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Nannong Greening Engineering Co., Ltd. as contractors. Quality and safety inspections were conducted by Shanghai Zhongcehang Engineering Checking Consulting Co., Ltd., while operational management remains under the Science & Technology Kindergarten of Shanghai.
Funding for the project came from the Xuhui District Education Bureau in Shanghai, demonstrating institutional support for innovative educational facility design. The completed kindergarten represents a successful integration of landscape architecture principles with educational facility planning, creating an environment that supports both structured learning and natural exploration for young students.
The Flying Chess Kindergarten project continues VIASCAPE Design's commitment to creating urban spaces that blend natural elements with functional design requirements. The success of this collaboration suggests potential for similar partnerships between landscape architects and educational institutions seeking to enhance their outdoor learning environments through thoughtful design integration.
