Architects: SUMMARY
Area: 2660 m²
Year: 2023
Category: Kindergarten
Design Team: Samuel Gonçalves, Inês Rodrigues, João Meira, Sara Perfetti, Adina Staicu
Engineering: FTS, Technical Solutions
Prefabrication and Assembly: Farcimar, Soluções em Pré-Fabricados de Betão
Client: C.M.Lisboa
City: Lisbon
Country: Portugal
4 Modular Kindergartens in Lisbon, designed by SUMMARY, respond to a municipal initiative to expand early education infrastructure through cost-effective, rapid, and durable construction. Each kindergarten follows a standardized design composed of prefabricated reinforced concrete “U”-shaped modules, ensuring low maintenance and high durability while creating a recognizable identity across different urban sites. The modular system defines both the exterior tectonics and interior organization, with visible joints articulating the stacking and support of each module. The layout includes two rows of overlapping modules separated by a central circulation core that integrates corridors, staircases, elevators, and HVAC systems. Circulation paths are linear and transparent, supporting user orientation and safety. Outdoor spaces function as direct extensions of indoor activities, incorporating garden areas planted with low-maintenance, allergen-conscious vegetation. Each two-story building consolidates service areas on the ground level and distributes activity rooms across both floors, all with direct access to outdoor play areas or terraces. The prefabricated system, including foundations, was factory-produced and quickly assembled on-site, minimizing disruption to urban neighborhoods by reducing construction time, waste, noise, and dust.
The buildings were developed in response to a public initiative aimed at constructing kindergartens across multiple locations in Lisbon, following a competition organized by the Municipality. The design began with a standardized solution that enabled cost-effective construction, rapid implementation, and the creation of a consistent, recognizable identity for these facilities throughout the city. The proposal relies on overlapping reinforced concrete structural modules with a “U” profile, which define the surfaces of each building. The use of concrete was chosen not only to accommodate the modular configuration but also to meet the competition’s requirement for long-lasting, low-maintenance construction solutions.
The standardization of solutions naturally results in a formal similarity among the four kindergartens. The visual identity of the buildings emerges from both the possibilities and constraints of the modular construction system. From the exterior, a clear tectonic expression is evident, with visible joints revealing each individual module and how it is arranged and supported. All four facilities share a comparable organic and functional layout: two sets of overlapping “U-shaped” modules containing various rooms, separated by a central corridor that accommodates all horizontal and vertical circulation, including hallways, staircases, and elevators. The primary components of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are also located within this central corridor, with ducts extending through the adjacent side walls to serve the surrounding rooms.
The circulation spaces are designed to be straight and linear, aiding user orientation throughout the building and maintaining clear visibility across different areas, which supports both functionality and safety. The outdoor areas are conceived as extensions of the indoor activities. Some zones are paved with non-slip surfaces to accommodate the use of wheeled toys. Garden spaces are also included to support outdoor activities with the children. Vegetal cover across most of the exterior surface enhances soil permeability. The selection of plant and tree species was guided by criteria such as climate adaptability, low water demand, and the avoidance of species known to cause allergic reactions.
The nurseries are organized across two floors, allowing for a more compact footprint that responds to the limited size of the plots, all of which are located in established urban areas. This configuration also maximizes the available outdoor space for recreational use. Essential service areas, including the kitchen, administrative offices, and laundry, are positioned on the ground floor. The children’s activity rooms are distributed across both levels, with all rooms providing direct access to outdoor areas—those on the ground floor open to the playground, while those on the upper floor connect to terraces.
All structural components of these buildings, including the foundations, were prefabricated in a factory under controlled conditions. They were subsequently assembled on-site within a few days. These prefabricated elements not only form the structural framework but also define the facades, floors, and interior compartments of each building. This method enabled a quicker and more controlled construction process, eliminating the need for on-site concreting and significantly reducing waste, noise, and dust. The aim was to expand the city’s network of public kindergartens while minimizing disruption to the surrounding neighborhoods. Both the construction process and the final outcome were considered equally essential in meeting this goal.
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Project Location
Address: Lisbon, Lisbon District, Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Portugal
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
