Kindergarten of Tócóskert

Debrecen, Hungary

Imagination knows no bounds – but what if logic blocks could come to life? Geometric shapes, big and small, in four vibrant colours. Playful elements for playful learning. The unique massing of Tócóskert Kindergarten invites us into a storybook world.

Debrecen, Hungary

Education and Culture

Located in the Tócóskert district of Debrecen, the kindergarten sits in the city’s southwestern part, near the Tócó Stream. The district’s name, meaning “Tócó Garden,” originates from the 18th century, when this area was part of Debrecen’s historic rural landscape, known for its fertile gardens and agricultural estates. While urban development transformed the district in the 20th century, the name remains a tribute to its past. Today, Tócóskert is a thriving residential area, and the kindergarten’s development was conceived in response to the needs of both existing housing estates and future expansions.

Kindergarten of Tócóskert – Photo: György Palkó

The kindergarten accommodates up to 100 children across four group rooms. Positioned on a spacious 7,500 m² plot, it stands freely within a garden-like setting, connected to Egressy Béni Square. Our design concept envisioned a solid street-facing façade that not only defines the urban space but also provides acoustic protection and a sense of intimacy for the children. It was important to ensure optimal orientation for the activity rooms, so we arranged the group rooms facing the garden.

Originally, our vision included a sloping green roof that children could walk onto, featuring a rooftop herb garden for play and exploration. While this idea was only partially realized, the sloped green roof remains a striking visual element, seamlessly blending the building with its natural surroundings. Rising from this green plane, the brightly coloured group rooms resemble whimsical little houses, as if plucked from a fairy tale. The street-facing façade echoes this playful spirit, with colourful, uniquely shaped openings that signal to children: an exciting and welcoming world awaits inside.