Chiayi City Lan Tan Elementary School｜Tanshing Mini Cosmos

“ Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. ”

—— Carl Sagan

Redefining Space and Learning Scenarios to Meet Diverse Needs and Storage Functions

Lan Tan Elementary School has promoted astronomy education for more than three decades and has received numerous awards for its achievements. Astronomy is taught from kindergarten through sixth grade, yet the school has never had a dedicated astronomy classroom. The design intervention aims to transform the existing space into a multifunctional environment that supports the storage of astronomy tools and equipment, student learning, teacher preparation, volunteer service, and small-group activities.

Crafting a Cosmic Atmosphere Through Light and Color

Astronomical imagery is woven into the classroom to break away from the conventional impression of standard learning spaces, bringing a sense of the cosmos into the ceiling so that students can look up and immediately see the universe. The space is divided into two primary zones: a teaching area and a preparation area for teachers. Designed to support users ranging from kindergarteners to sixth-grade students, the environment allows teachers to work and prepare lessons while students learn within an atmosphere shaped by celestial cues. At the same time, extensive storage capacity—much of it concealed—accommodates the school’s wide range of specialized astronomy materials.