Twelve colorful bridges hang over the atrium of the Zickzack primary school by SAKO architects

The ZIGZAG school by SAKO Architects in Tianjin focuses on playful volumes

SAKO Architectsunder the direction of Keiichiro Sako, ZIGZAG Elementary designs School in Beijing, Chinabased on the concept of “just making school fun”. The elementary school consists of eight buildings that house the regular and special classrooms. These buildings are divided into four levels and arranged in a zigzag pattern. To connect the classrooms across the corridors, twelve bridges are suspended at different angles between the opposing buildings. Each building and each floor has a different color, creating 32 different places with different combinations. This gives the school architecture variety and identity, like the 32 team colors.

all pictures by Misae Hiromatsu

Crossing bridges cross the common atrium space

By semi-enclosing the courtyard, SAKO Architects transforms the volume into a large common space called the “atrium”. Coupled with its colorful appearance and intersecting bridges, this space has become a place where children can thrive and enjoy their school life. The spaces between the eight main volumes are covered with a single large roof, forming a large common area with a five-story semi-covered atrium. The atrium is well adapted to the local climate, which ranges from over 40 degrees Celsius in summer to below -15 degrees Celsius in winter. The atrium has a long and narrow shape, but the zigzag arrangement of the volumes creates a sense of centrality and unity. During recess, children move through the atrium in groups, filling the space with their lively voices.

SAKO Architects designs ZIGZAG Primary School in Tianjin, China, with a focus on fun and engagement

Twelve bridges connect the classrooms across the corridors and are suspended at different angles

the volumes are arranged in a zigzag pattern on four levels

The school has eight buildings that house regular and special classes

The semi-enclosed courtyard is transformed into a large common room, the “atrium”.

The colourful appearance of the atrium and the bridges over the two buildings create a lively environment

The design ensures that ZIGZAG Primary School is a positive and engaging learning environment

each volume and each floor is uniquely coloured, creating 32 different rooms

The different colors give the school variety and identity and are similar to 32 team colors