Poppin kids pieces at Peppin
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A home in Toronto that embraces family life
Termed the "family clubhouse", architect John Tong transformed an old industrial Toronto dairy building into a colourful playground for his three children - embracing the sometimes frantic life that entails having three young children.
The house's open-plan layout encourages the entire family to hang out together, even while partaking in different activities. While thought-out designed details are customized to the family's life.
For example above, the twins brush their teeth using the custom-built wooden step.
The backyard is treated as another room. As shown above, the table is used for family gatherings / social events, while the elevated porch is used by the kids as a stage for impromptu performances.
An old loft structure above will one day become a treehouse for the children, says John.
A carpet rug provides the ideal space for both reading and playing with trains.
To display the children’s artwork (as Maelle paints above), John designed a four-foot-high lightbox for above the staircase. The front panel is non-glare acrylic held in place with magnetic strips while low-voltage LED strips provide the backlighting. “We change the art at least every holiday and birthday,” says John.
Right, a shelf system was built for the basement, which was then adapted to accommodate the children's toys - the space becoming a playroom/workshop.
I love John's attitude of designing from the "ground up" - a method that evolves organically - that is ever-changing as the family's needs change. It is truly an attitude that embraces all of family life, and doesn't take itself too seriously.
Via Dwell.
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Get crafty this easter
Get crafty this Easter weekend with some of these ideas from Mr Printables.
Above make a zoom zoom car for Mr and Mrs Egg to drive.
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Or stack your egg creations into a cool sculpture to display or give away.
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Have an Easter party with these funky egg characters - all dressed to impress!
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Or stack your egg creations into a cool sculpture to display or give away.
Have an Easter party with these funky egg characters - all dressed to impress!
Easter need not only be about sweet treats (and then sore tummies!) - but creating fun and memorable experiences that tickle the imagination.
Go to Mr Printables to download the free printable template files.
Go to Mr Printables to download the free printable template files.
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Cool, calm and collected is this kindergarten in Austria
Too often do I see architecture for children that grasps for attention and gives an overly simplistic definition of play. The Susi Weigel Kindergarten in Austria however, speaks a language that is understated, unpatronising and purveys a sense of calm and reasoning.
Bernado Bader Architects have employed a simple box form with large windows offering superb views of the surrounding mountains, trees and meadow landscape. Subdued yellows and blues are paired with the natural grain of fir and pine wood sourced locally.
The kindergarten is named after Susi Weigel (1914-1990), who was a local children's story book writer and illustrator. Homage is paid to Weigel, with illustrations from her books embellished on the glass doors dividing space (see above).
And here is an excerpt from one of her books, The little I am me;
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On the colorful flower meadow
a colorful animal walks,
travels between green stalks,
wanders under hemlock palm trees,
is pleased that the birds sing,
looking forward to the butterflies,
would be that it can look forward to.
But then ...
But then
disturbs a tree frog its peace
and asks the animal: "Who are you?"
As it stands and supports
and looks puzzled
the frog's face:
". I do not know"
The frog croaks and asks: "Nanu
A nameless animal are you?
Anyone who does not know how he is,
he who forgets who he is,
which is stupid! "
Boom.
On the colorful flower meadow
a colorful animal walks,
travels between green stalks,
wanders under hemlock palm trees,
is pleased that the birds sing,
looking forward to the butterflies,
would be that it can look forward to.
But then ...
But then
disturbs a tree frog its peace
and asks the animal: "Who are you?"
As it stands and supports
and looks puzzled
the frog's face:
". I do not know"
The frog croaks and asks: "Nanu
A nameless animal are you?
Anyone who does not know how he is,
he who forgets who he is,
which is stupid! "
Boom.
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Park and slide - a new way to get from A to B?
Last Sunday, UK artist Luke Jerram created the Park and Slide, turning Park Street in Bristol into a giant 90-metre water slide. The concept playfully suggesting ideas for navigating the city's congested streets.
Turning our public spaces into temporary playgrounds for children and adults alike is something that should be done more. Not only does it show there is an inner child in us all, but it creates positive community fun! (You may watch the film here).
Via Concrete Playground.
Via Concrete Playground.
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Beautifully crafted wooden toys last a long time
Check out these beautifully crafted children's toys made by UK design studio Sarah and Bendrix.
Made of unvarnished polished natural wood insures these sculptural objects are safe for children.
Via The Style Files.
And from an architecture studio Archabits is this new range of wooden animal figures. Also natural and unvarnished / painted, the animals may be taken apart and put back together again with embedded colourful magnets.
The interchangeable parts allow kids to imagine weird and wonderful creatures or to simply construct the traditional animal figure.
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Via Handmade Charlotte.
Invest in well-made classic kids toys and they will bring joy for (hopefully) many lifetimes.
Invest in well-made classic kids toys and they will bring joy for (hopefully) many lifetimes.
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Make a mobile!
I remember when my brother was born, my mother getting my sister and I to create a black and white cut-out and geometrically patterned hanging mobile. The theory being that the geometric pattern and movement of the mobile was to encourage the child's development (improve sight, develop motor skills and brain development) via visual stimulation.
See the examples below as inspiration and even (like my mother) enlist other children to help!
See the examples below as inspiration and even (like my mother) enlist other children to help!
Natural objects found in the garden creates a delicate mobile, like the one above made by Kristina from Lovely Morning.
Or you can go with a paper version, either using coloured card or printed patterns and illustrations. And then cut and fold...
Takes a wee bit of patience but the endless and colourful varieties (as seen below) ensure a fun way to brighten bubba's room!
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And above, some examples of paper ornaments suspended from a thin metal frame available from MoMA. From top-left, Birds in Harmony by Christel Sadde and Katsumi Komagata; Balloon Mobile from Christian Flensted; Traffic Mobile from Tom Schamp and Christel Sadde and the popular Themis Mobile by Clara Von Zweigbergk, which comes flat packed enabling you to build your own.
Via Lovely Morning.
Takes a wee bit of patience but the endless and colourful varieties (as seen below) ensure a fun way to brighten bubba's room!
Via Lovely Morning.
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The Clever Launch
Super excited about the new launch of CleverBastards which has just been reborn as The Clever: Design Store.
What started as a search for the cleverest NZ'ers (those "clever bastards") has now gone global - taking the same "clever" approach but sourcing like-minded product the world over.
The Clever hunts out new designers, inspiring stories and clever products. I like how the home page integrates all of these things giving you loads of visual stimulation and choice for where ever your eye takes you.
And there's a blog post by little ol me in there too! Pictured above is a post on clever furniture that grows with the child (you can read it here).
The online shop also features a few kiddie products, my favs of which are below.
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Kids in Museums
I like to see initiatives that recognize children as competent individuals with abundant creative ideas and skills waiting to be realized. Therefore Kids in Museums gets a big tick from me. Their goal = to encourage museums in the UK to welcome children and families.
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Their main event is Takeover Day. Held once a year, museums can sign up to invite children and young people to take over the museum for the day. Where among other things, children, wearing "I'm taking over stickers" meet and greet visitors, set up exhibitions, gather stories to tell and design visitor guides. As the Kids in Museums website says - "there was nothing children couldn't do - proving how putting them at the heart of a museum makes it a vibrant and exciting place to be, full of fresh ideas and new perspectives."
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Museums are places full of potential for learning and of creative possibility. And if given the chance, may provide children with memorable experiences.
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One museum, the Moderna Museet museum in Stockholm is offering what looks to be a fantastic artistic workshop experience - love the large space with artworks and paint all over the floors, walls and tables.
Museums are places full of potential for learning and of creative possibility. And if given the chance, may provide children with memorable experiences.
One museum, the Moderna Museet museum in Stockholm is offering what looks to be a fantastic artistic workshop experience - love the large space with artworks and paint all over the floors, walls and tables.
Every Sunday is Family Sunday, where children aged 2-6 are taken on a tour of the museum and then taken to the beautiful workshop where they paint, draw and sculpt using what they've seen and learnt as inspiration.
Looks like such fun!
Via DOSFAMILY.
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An Apartment for Kids
This renovated apartment designed by Ruetemple in Russia has an entire section dedicated to the youngest inhabitants of the house.
Termed the "Loft Apartment" - it is indeed designed like a loft. Or a treehouse of sorts. It is in fact similar to an early childhood centre design I did as part of my thesis studies.
An architectural pallette of pale wood and light helps to provide a sense of space. While a layering of elements, including vertical wooden slats, criss-cross mesh, boxed storage walls, horizontal railing, safety netting, ladders and a whiteboard wall is combined to create a multitude of living and playful experiences to the apartment space.
The diagram above showing where the child can go as opposed to the adult.
A large space to play - with bean bags offering a place for rest.
A steep narrow stair case goes up to the loft level, as does a ladder, which goes up the wall. Seen right is the loft or "attic". Clad entirely of plywood and housed with large cushions, it makes for a restful space in which to do some quiet activity.
A whiteboard wall allows for brainstorming sessions and/or for purely creative expression.
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An Apartment for Students
Ruetemple have also designed a similar apartment, except for students.
Again boxed storage walls, stairs, skylights and built-in desks are combined cleverly to maximise the use of space.
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All ideas which could quite easily be translated into early childhood environments. Although those stairs look potentially rather hazardous!
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Children roam amongst colourful critters at this new kindergarten designed by Baukind
I love the work of Baukind (read previous post here), who source sites in Berlin and then work to transform them into vibrant and "kids friendly" early childhood spaces.
This is the latest of their growing themed and colourful portfolio.
The unique custom-design "critters" encourage the children to interact with the space and move freely around the kindergarten.
Kita Sinneswandel (or 'Change of Heart') takes its inspiration from the tree - as a symbol of growth and development. Each space metaphorically employing aspects of the tree for inhabitation and play.
The carefully considered colour palette giving the kindergarten a unique identity.
Baukind with Atelier Perela designed a colour concept and animal characters that correspond to and live around trees.
Baukind collaborated with visual designers Atelier Perela to create their animal characters.
The area that depicts the root of the tree (and uses warm, earthy red, brown and violet colours) is dedicated to young kids between one and three years.
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Seen above the 1-3 years area, the "roots" of the tree. Ramps are integrated with storage and irregular and moveable blocks become a landscape for physical play.
Soft mats, carpet, cushions and soft cylinders further encourage floor play.
The first floor resembling the trunk of the tree uses multifunctional furniture to encourage active play and exploration.
The cube may become tables, chairs, storage boxes or building blocks.
Uplifting greens and blues on the second floor represent the crown of the tree. All of the spaces in Kita Sinneswandel utilise movable furniture modules - serving both functional and playful functions. Surfaces are "activated" with textured feature walls (brick), graphic murals, or blackboard for creative expression.
Bathrooms are designed with the scale of the child in mind. The sinks tapering down for the smallest children.
Carefully selected materials and colour are used to blur the boundaries of space (stretching over walls, floors and furniture), thus creating a space for adventure and play.
Via Frame.
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ModularZZZ
Modular construction is a topic I've been blogging about a fair bit recently (see Make it Modular post). I just think the concept is so fitting for early childhood environments. For the functional possibilities and the flexible nature of their use.
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It can be stacked for storage, arranged side-by-side into a coffee table or table, be a seat, a magazine rack, display shelving... oh the possibilities!
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Furniture that grows WITH the child
As seen on The Clever!
These clever designers show you need not fork out for a new piece of designer furniture every time your child grows a few inches! Rather, designing with the future in mind results in furniture that grows, adapts and lasts (hopefully) for many generations.
A number of designers are today recognising the benefit of designing products and furniture that last longer, that actually grow with the child.
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Above, high chair to... well, a chair. This simple (yet bold) design by Maartje Steenkamp for Droog comes with printed "notches" indicating each stage of the chair. So when you feel the time is right, you can saw off what is not needed any more.
Another "growing" chair is the Tripp Trapp. Designed originally by Norwegian furniture designer Peter Opsvik in 1972, Peter noticed that his son Tor had no chair that could position him at the correct height at the family dinner table and enable him to participate with the rest of the family.
While the Tripp Trapp concept was not at first popular, it has now sold more than 6 million chairs. Showing that the concept of adaptable design is now being slowly recognised.
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The Stokke Sleepi is one clever cot slash bed, which can be used from a child's birth to 10 years of age. Made from beautifully crafted solid beech wood, additional parts mean that the cot can grow as your child grows. It also looks pretty funky too.
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These tables features adjustable legs, a simple yet oh so clever idea.
Consisting of a solid wood body, four coloured legs and rubber rings, the CASPAR table below designed by Martin Pabis and Thomas Maitz for Perludi allows the table to grow vertically with the child.
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Additionally, the table may be easily dismantled and hold it's legs inside the tray for simple storage.
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Above, high chair to... well, a chair. This simple (yet bold) design by Maartje Steenkamp for Droog comes with printed "notches" indicating each stage of the chair. So when you feel the time is right, you can saw off what is not needed any more.
Another "growing" chair is the Tripp Trapp. Designed originally by Norwegian furniture designer Peter Opsvik in 1972, Peter noticed that his son Tor had no chair that could position him at the correct height at the family dinner table and enable him to participate with the rest of the family.
While the Tripp Trapp concept was not at first popular, it has now sold more than 6 million chairs. Showing that the concept of adaptable design is now being slowly recognised.
The design's seat and footrest may be adjusted in both height and depth, thus it is possible to adapt the chair to the child as he or she grows. Additionally, the chair's design enables the child to safely climb up and into the chair all by themselves.
Made from beechwood, the chair now comes in a variety of rich colour varnishes.
Made from beechwood, the chair now comes in a variety of rich colour varnishes.
Below, Swedish architect and designer Mia Cullen has produced this range of benches / stools for Orkester with adjustable seats, taking inspiration from traditional wooden peg furniture and piano stools.
The adjustable seats which were first designed for schools and nurseries, allow adult and child to comfortably sit side by side and are now used in waiting rooms, entrances and public spaces.
The adjustable seats which were first designed for schools and nurseries, allow adult and child to comfortably sit side by side and are now used in waiting rooms, entrances and public spaces.
These tables features adjustable legs, a simple yet oh so clever idea.
Consisting of a solid wood body, four coloured legs and rubber rings, the CASPAR table below designed by Martin Pabis and Thomas Maitz for Perludi allows the table to grow vertically with the child.
Another growing table is one from German company Pure Position, which grows with the child in four stages. Each stage introducing a section of leg. The table also includes a number of handy boxes for pens and notes - for work and play!
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And from one of our own, is the New Zealand designed Wishbone Bike.
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The Wishbone was born when Industrial Designer Richard built a bike for his son Noah to keep up with him on their daily walks. The bike's design has no pedals, which teaches the child balance and co-ordination.
Starting as a three-wheeled ride-on toy for children who are just walking to a two-wheeled bike, the frame can then be flipped and the seat adjusted to accommodate children up to the age of five.
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The Wishbone was born when Industrial Designer Richard built a bike for his son Noah to keep up with him on their daily walks. The bike's design has no pedals, which teaches the child balance and co-ordination.
Starting as a three-wheeled ride-on toy for children who are just walking to a two-wheeled bike, the frame can then be flipped and the seat adjusted to accommodate children up to the age of five.
These clever designers show you need not fork out for a new piece of designer furniture every time your child grows a few inches! Rather, designing with the future in mind results in furniture that grows, adapts and lasts (hopefully) for many generations.
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The AEC now on Facebook!
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A centre like an 'Aussie backyard'
New Zealand-based architecture firm Context have harnessed a childlike sense of curiosity and combined it with thoughtful intent in designing this new flagship Mother Duck Childcare centre housing up to 130 children in Brisbane.
Key to Mother Duck's philosophy is in providing a nurturing "home-like" environment that is aesthetically pleasing. Also that the environment caters for the child's curiosity, uniqueness and ability to learn through play.
To see their philosophy realised, the architects worked closely with the early childhood educators: "Context took our values and culture and translated them into an 'Aussie backyard' design concept. An extension of the home where the learning spaces extend from the lounge onto the covered deck and into the backyard."
Light and transparent within, the centre is shielded from the street and wrapped around the perimeter of the site maximising space, whilst ensuring visual protection and security.
Inside spaces are constructed from enduring and familiar materials including weatherboards, board and batten sash windows, providing a home-like atmosphere of belonging.
Australian Minister Sussan Ley whilst at the opening day heralded the centre as "state of the art", saying "what stood out...was the homeliness. Everything isn't little, there are big things too - big chairs, big floor boards. Children see things they see in their own homes..." (via Scoop)
Attention is paid to the child's experience upon first walking into the centre, the entrance featuring a vibrant entrance way and fish-tank reception area.
Seven individually themed 'homes' adapt to children's changing activities and needs throughout the day. The 'homes' opening onto 'Rainbow Street' - a flexible covered indoor-outdoor play space, and which acts as a permeable boundary between outside and in. Again, child-oriented details are included, with letterboxes, street lamps and louvres that the children can operate themselves.
Outside the centre's design reflects it's philosophy of the curious child - providing a wonderful magical landscape ready for exploration, including a water park.
Play structures - ramps, walkways, sandpits, a pool and a slide are combined with natural plantings - offering a dynamic and exciting place to play loudly or quietly, depending on the mood of the child.
The centre shows that through careful consideration of materials, site placement/orientation, colours and child-centred interactive details - a place that is both homely and fun is born.
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An international business group gift this after-school care to a small EQ-torn town in Japan
Yamada-Machi is a small central coastal town of Japan struggling after the 2011 tsunami and earthquake. International corporations thus gifted the town an after-school care and community facility as a place to play, heal and come together.
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Designed by the Dutch firm Van Der Architects, the simple structure employs an irregular plan and a limited material/colour (natural timber, translucent polycarbonate and aggregate concrete) palette. Providing a neutral backdrop to the activities occurring within.
The building's other characteristics including skylights, built-in joinery, an internal courtyard and deep inset sills for sitting on. The building also takes into account the winter and summer sun path to maximise the potential of the sun.
The project shows how building for children post-disaster may create a seed of regeneration - instilling happiness and hope for a community.
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This centre combines a community garden for sustainable living
The Flance Early Childhood Center in St Louis, Missouri has recently been completed. Designed by Trivers Associates the centre demonstrates a high quality build and an emphasis on promoting a healthy community.
The centre, offering a community garden for all to look after and enjoy not only reaches out to the wider neighbourhood but teaches children about nurturing natural life and then enjoying healthy eating.
The kitchen and dining areas (number 7 in the plan below) has been designed as a space for "demonstrations" - showing children and their families how to create delicious healthy food.
Whilst a "wellness and community classroom" (number 6 above) is another facility that caters for the wider community promoting wellness and acts as a space for hosting community events.
The building's design combines an approach that is both serious (or sophisticated), yet has an element of fun and lightness.
The diagram below shows the architect's consideration into how the current areas buildings might better cater to children's needs. The designed porch providing a connection between inside and out, whilst acting further as a transitory space for play.
Inside a select colour scheme and surface graphics serve to define boundaries and space, while injecting fun and play.
Outside the dynamic porch balcony, playful feature structural columns, landscaping, colour and material palette (including perforated steel and protruding bricks) combine to create a thoughtful and considered design for it's young users and the wider community.
Via Trivers Associates.
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A kindergarten that takes its inspiration from stacked toy blocks
The design of this EC centre is reminiscent of the contemporary or "late modern" institutional approach. While perhaps a tad too sterile in my opinion, the architecture does exhibit fine detailing and craftmanship and some fun and playful characteristics.
"White-washed" precast concrete panels are paired with coloured semi-transparent glass facades. The architects (LBR + A) taking thier inspiration from stacked toy blocks.
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Circular windows of varying sizes, shallow atrium stairs (for sitting or performing) and a range of regular, curving and irregular paths and forms work to create spaces for play and exploration.
Limited space (the kindergarten shares the site with an existing primary and elementary school) meant combining ground play areas with elevated terraces.
Circular windows of varying sizes, shallow atrium stairs (for sitting or performing) and a range of regular, curving and irregular paths and forms work to create spaces for play and exploration.
Via ArchDaily.
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An external frame invites play
Designed by Heri and Salli, 'Office Off' is an office concept that says "why shouldn't work be fun?!"
A external wooden frame allows users to climb/interact with the building. I can imagine this very concept being applied to a playground building modular system which may cater for varying "interactive" infill panels....
Via Contemporist.
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A modular and efficient (smart) classroom
Following the lead of the modernists (see earlier post here), who envisaged an architecture of clean functional modular parts - are these classrooms designed by Anderson Anderson Architecture for Hawaii.
Not only does the design allow for fast and efficient construction, but focuses on the occupants' health and comfort and teaches about eco efficiency and energy consumption.
The energy performance of the building is monitored and broadcasted to students inside as well as to the web for all to view - thus the building becomes a tool for learning about energy consumption and preservation.
The design also considers lifecycle (energy and maintenance) costs and will be monitored for it's performance over two years. Thus any issues are noted, reported, analysed and subsequently improved upon - ultimately (hopefully!) improving the quality of future learning spaces for all.
Focusing not only on energy efficiency (for example with the use of photovoltaic panels) the building's design provides comfort with shaded north-facing daylight glazing and ventilation (providing thermal comfort), while materials are chosen not only for their low-maintenance but for being healthy (low-VOC) and acoustically comfortable.
The building is prefabricated in three easily transportable modules, reducing initial cost and energy. A steel frame and steel and rigid foam, sandwich panel floor and roof system with a double-skin wall metal cladding reduces heat gain. The modularity of the construction system allows relocation and future re-use of the building without typical demolition and disposal waste of materials and embedded energy.
One in four students in Hawaii currently study in poor-quality portable classrooms. The States plans to replace 10,000 of these units over the next ten years. This classroom concept being mass produced hopes to meet the demand for classrooms as required.
Via ArchDaily.
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More Pages to Explore .....
