FIVE-SEASON KINDERGARTEN

Asia United Architecture Association
First Prize Vietnam, Top 8 International | Asian Contest of Architectural Rookie's Award

Individual Project | Tai Le
Educational Building | HCMC, Vietnam | Winter 2019


I meticulously crafted this project to partake in the esteemed Asian Contest of Architectural Rookie’s Award 2019, centered around the profound theme of “symbiosis between man and nature through architectural space.” This subject holds immense significance in our lives, especially in contemporary urban development, where the younger generation is increasingly deprived of opportunities to intimately engage with the natural world, hindering their comprehensive development. Hence, I aspire to fashion a structure that fosters a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the environment, where man and nature can symbiotically thrive.

Drawing inspiration from the poignant literary work “The Sun and Her Flowers” by Rupi Kaur, this opus includes five distinct sections, each mirroring the life cycle of a flower. Aptly titled “Wilting,” “Falling,” “Rooting,” “Rising,” and “Blooming,” these chapters delve into profound themes encompassing love and loss, trauma and abuse, healing, femininity, and the human realm. “Wilting” delves into the realm of heartbreak and the aftermath of loss, while “Falling” delves into the abyss of despair following the rupture of a significant relationship. “Rooting” explores the multifaceted issues of female infanticide, immigration, and the boundaries that divide us. Finally, “Blooming” encapsulates the jubilation Kaur experiences as she embraces and cherishes her heritage, herself, and the world. In this transformative journey, she discovers her purpose: to advocate for equality and love, transcending gender, race, and cultural backgrounds.