Project by: Yung-Hsiang (Angus) Yang, Chih-Chia (Eddie) Huang, Guan-Yi (Kenny) Siao
The Chelsea Kindergarten proposal reimagines the space above Chelsea Market as a vertical, educational landscape that seamlessly bridges the neighborhood’s industrial past with its modern urban vitality. By inserting a continuous Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) tube through the existing structure, the design preserves the building’s historic identity while creating a dynamic connection to the High Line. This CLT volume serves as both a structural spine and a primary active space, allowing children to move through the building via a series of interconnected, sensory environments. Within this framework, the architecture functions as a pedagogical tool; distinct atmospheres are defined by material and color, ranging from a playful yellow-ceilinged ball pit to a blue “submarine” classroom overlooking the Hudson River. Combining brick veneer, modern timber, and a sustainable roof garden, the project transforms a static urban site into a fluid learning environment centered on play, nature, and exploration.
