Architects and the people of Venezuela pitch in to create spaces FOR community

October 14, 2014, 6:00 pm

≫ Next: Two new fun-filled kids spaces in Israel designed by Sarit Shani Hay

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A fantastic initiative, the Espacios de Paz (Spaces for Peace) project in Venezuela is turning “zones of danger” into “zones of peace” through participatory design in violent areas of the country.

Led by Venezuelan firm PICO Estudio, the project involved architects and the community in a 6-week long workshop. By transforming unused spaces such as empty plots and unregulated landfill areas, the projects sought to create “social dynamics that invite new ways of living in communities, transforming categories that rule the daily life: the use of time and space.”

The initiative's focus was to create “a space built not only “for” the community but “by” the community,” and shows how a little thought and a new built structure can be a seed for regeneration and instill a sense of community back into a space.

It is a relevant methodology to apply to the ethos, and design and construction of early childhood centres.

Via ArchDaily.

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Two new fun-filled kids spaces in Israel designed by Sarit Shani Hay

October 20, 2014, 3:33 pm

≫ Next: 'Wednesday' by Anne Bertier (and translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick)

≪ Previous: Architects and the people of Venezuela pitch in to create spaces FOR community

I've shared Sarit's beautifully graphic fun-filled interiors for children before, and now she has done it again with these two new centres in Tel Aviv, Israel.

"Hello First Grade"

The first, "Hello First Grade" is actually an interesting brief, which hopes to soften or ease the transition for children going from early child care to school (the Arts & Science Elementary School).

Thus the environment was designed to be inviting and encourage childrens' eagerness for learning.

Central to the school's design is a large magnetic wall designed as a notebook page connecting rows of wooden pencils in a range of colours to letter, number and geometric magnets. Allowing children to arrange these to will.

Left is the 'music corner' - located within a large wooden drum. Here, children can listen to their chosen music through headphones. Right, is the 'dance corner', which hosts a stage and dance bar for rehearsing and performances.

A 'reading and friendship corner' situated in wooden blocks has cushioned seats, activity tables and library niches - catering for quiet or 'study' activities.

A black and white checker floor promotes physical movement or play, while a large screen embedded in a robot's head offers technological play and learning (through games and films).

The design caters for a range of learning types and stimulation of the senses.

Educational Centre in Kfar Shemaryahu

Sarit's second project is in Kfar Shemaryahu and covers 2,400m² which includes six kindergartens, a common play area and an 'empowerment centre' providing psychological services to the community's children.

The centre's design is inspired by both the city's agricultural past, as well as the "seven species" of the Bible denoting the profusion and fertility of the Land of Israel and its diverse crops.

The distinctive character of each kindergarten was dictated by the species identified with it, which served as a design code and gave rise to its colour scheme and components. Graphic and symbolic motifs meet functional learning motives, as well as serving to inspire the "fun of learning".

The Lobby

The central lobby acts as a axis binding all of the kindergartens together, whilst serving as a play area and passageway to the Empowerment Centre.

The lobby space (above and below) plays a key role in outlining the overall narrative of the centre.

The child arrives and witnesses scenes of a village, such as the large tractor and sculptural islands with raw-birch plywood trees on the floor.

And on the walls, graphics imitating the contours of the landscape: a water tower, a watchtower and various animals all made of woodcuts in Formica on plywood.

The kindergartens

The six kindergartens echo one of the three 'themes' composed by Sarit and are divided either by modular furniture or by airy wooden huts.

The first theme is the 'Tamar (Palm) Kindergarten' - the orange palette echoing the colour of ripe dates. The graphics drawn from palm trees: oasis, camels and huts with maple wooden beams.

The 'Zayit (Olive) and Gefen (Vine) Kindergarten (below) caters to toddlers. Cushioned seats and age-related activities serve the child's physical and learning capacities.

Graphically, a dove bearing an olive branch is imprinted on the cupboard doors. A symbol of peace which alludes to the the underlying 'seven species' concept - teaching tolerance and respect.

The 'Rimon (Pomegranate) Kindergarten' (below) takes it inspiration form the pomegranate tree.

A pomegranate jigsaw puzzle (like) piece is imprinted in the cupboard doors, and the pomegranate fruit is incorporated as a round hiding place and sheltered play area in the cupboard as an upholstered stool.

The Empowerment Centre

The Empowerment Centre serves the community providing special rooms and psychological services.

The waiting area contains an interactive wall combined with various textures, containing a wide range of games such as a clock with hands, a turning bicycle wheel, wooden balls threaded on a ball among more.

The reception desk (above) is made of maple wood with colourful 3D pay blocks incorporated into it, while large sculptural blocks scattered on the floor with numbers and letters help to make the waiting children feel relaxed and be occupied through play.

Both new educational spaces for children successfully celebrate the child's capacity for learning through exploration and play.

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'Wednesday' by Anne Bertier (and translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick)

October 22, 2014, 3:22 pm

≫ Next: Ormiston Activity Centre - a beacon among the bland

≪ Previous: Two new fun-filled kids spaces in Israel designed by Sarit Shani Hay

The story below by the french children's story book writer Anne Bertier reminds me of Froebel's abstracted geometries for teaching children the "essence" or basic "building blocks" of the natural world.

It is a story that also speaks to adults - teaching basic fundamentals to perhaps more complex notions.

It is the story of two friends, Little Round and Big Square who get together every Wednesday to play a game.

A game of association and transformation, where "as soon as one of them says a word, they transform themselves into it."

But the fun abates when Little Round begins to feel littler and insufficient, as Big Square begins to parade a repertoire of words beyond Little Round's capabilities.

They form a rift and go to opposite sides of the room.

However, soon they realise that if they work together, they can form an endless array of images....

Not only is the story a simple but poignant portrayal for the way we transform the building blocks of life, but also shows that whether we are big or small (age or otherwise) - each has something to offer.

Via Brain Pickings.

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Ormiston Activity Centre - a beacon among the bland

October 27, 2014, 6:18 pm

≫ Next: A-maze-ing

≪ Previous: 'Wednesday' by Anne Bertier (and translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick)

It may not be for early childhood, but due to my frequent musings every time I drive past it I thought I'd share.

In the words of Linda Tyler from Architecture Now, the "technicolour dreamcoated" structure designed by ArchOffice is a "beacon in the wilderness of the 94-hectare Barry Curtis Park"

Termed the Ormiston Activity Centre, the building sits in the new Auckland development site of Flatbush, which is estimated to house 40,000 people by 2020.

Unfortunately, the area is already blighted with rows upon rows of "matchbox houses" like the above.

Hence my astonishment at witnessing the colourful "activity centre" which sticks out like a sunny sore thumb among the dreary urban monotony.

A stair tower, meeting room for up to 80 persons, toilets and a viewing platform (over the toilet block) like building blocks, make up the elements of the building.

While precast concrete, concrete block and vertical steel flat bars coloured in cyan, magenta, yellow and green (CMYK) clad the exterior and form the balustrade above.

While I am saddened by the site's development so far, this wee youthful structure is a beacon that says there is hope for the area yet.

Via Architecture Now.

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A-maze-ing

October 29, 2014, 6:38 pm

≫ Next: "A learning landscape" is this concept by NORD for a marine educational centre

≪ Previous: Ormiston Activity Centre - a beacon among the bland

Opposite the Turner Contemporary Museum and within a Victorian grotto on Folkestone seafront stands a temporary installation by Dutch artist Krijn de Koning titled Dwelling.

The colourful architectural labyrinth walkway comprises of a series of angled walls punctured with doorways and windows that create a trail for visitors to navigate through, while using the existing surroundings to create a new experience of the space (see more images here).

The installation provides an air of fun and exploration - notions inspired in many early childhood settings to promote self learning through play. And upon further investigation, Krijn has in fact worked with architects Teeuwisse & Willems to create a space for an educational centre in Soest, Germany.

Here, a wall and ceiling structure stretches over the common hall space and on the other side creates two smaller play areas.

Like a creeper, the green form "climbs" across the existing surfaces creating new areas to explore and experience physically.

The installations providing a new lease on what would otherwise be a "boring" or rather standard (walls, ceilings and floors) space.

Via Urbis.

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"A learning landscape" is this concept by NORD for a marine educational centre

November 6, 2014, 4:48 pm

≫ Next: Another fantastic new nursery in Japan

≪ Previous: A-maze-ing

It is like a giant early childhood centre.

The idea of rooms being enveloped by an undulating or zig zag roof canopy, letting in or expelling heat/light and air as permitted has been seen in a number of early childhood structures before (like here, here and here).

NORD's adoption of the concept is probably because it is a fitting one for learning, advocating respect for the natural environment.

Says Molander Pedersen (partner at NORD Architects):

"We have developed a learning landscape where education is everywhere. It is in the landscape, in the building and in the transition between nature and culture."

Located in Malmö, Sweden, the new marine centre winning concept comprises of a 700-square-metre visitor centre with a large overhanging roof. The indoor and outdoor spaces are blurred - with activities in and out inviting users (children and adults) to explore the marine and physical environments using their senses.

Inside, further contributing to the learning experience the building's water handling, energy consumption and ventilation functions will be communicated to the building's users.

“With the changing climate, rising oceans and increased severity of cloudbursts, there is a need more than ever to understand the profound influence that marine life and the oceans have on our lives”, says Pedersen.

I look forward to seeing the built product.

Via Dezeen.

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Another fantastic new nursery in Japan

November 9, 2014, 8:25 pm

≫ Next: The new Paper Nursery is a beacon among the bleak

≪ Previous: "A learning landscape" is this concept by NORD for a marine educational centre

A simple material palette and a layout that focuses on a shared kitchen / dining and green outdoor play space makes for an excellent example of what an EC centre should be.

An arched blackboard wall separates the shared or "public" realm and the group or "childcare" space, with cubbies for bags and shoes cleverly delineating a locker / entrance space.

Internally, a simple material palette of white walls, timber floors, structure and joinery with hanging lights makes for a homely environment (that also takes children seriously).

A communal kitchen and indoor & outdoor dining space creates a lively "hub" and occasion around meal times.

Windows are placed at alternating heights inviting childrens' interaction.

The internal exposed beams carry on to the external overhanging eaves. While the "boxy" frames create visual interest to the otherwise "plain" corrugated metal facade.

All of the children's spaces face onto the internal outdoors providing much natural light, ventilation and access to play outdoors.

The shared internal garden play space features predominantly natural elements - trees, plants, an abundance of grass, rocks and tree stumps...

While man-made features include criss-crossing ramps promoting physical play (running, walking, cycling) and picnic benches encourage social interaction.

Deep window sills allow them to be inhabited (sat on, climbed on, jumped off)...

Here you can see the internal layout hierarchy - with children's rooms all facing the outdoors and the large shared playroom and kitchen / dining spaces - creating the sense of community and security.

Via ArchDaily.

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The new Paper Nursery is a beacon among the bleak

February 18, 2015, 7:30 pm

≫ Next: Bloglovin - a different way to follow and read your favourite blogs

≪ Previous: Another fantastic new nursery in Japan

A dense urban site surrounded by social housing blocks in France now looks out onto the landscaped and folding roof of the new 'Paper Nursery'.

Designed by Wild Rabbits Architects (WRA), the design takes its inspiration from origami - the playful and patient art of folding paper.

A difficult site, the new building was to be constructed over an existing car park. Whilst being set back from the street required an entrance through the ground floor of the existing adjacent building.

The only indication of the new nursery behind - an undulating bronze canopy, inviting the visitor to follow it within.

Steps lead up to a sunny yellow play area, from which all the classrooms break out onto.

The undulating canopy twists and folds - forming floors, wall and roof garden. Golden latticed semi-transparent screens shade the interior both from sun and the eyes of the surrounding buildings.

Section showing the entrance through the adjacent housing block (left) and the underground car park (right).

The new centre sandwiched in on all sides by bland tower blocks stands like a jewel among the bleak.

High quality materials and finishes says this building is proud. It respects the inhabitants inside.

Colours are selected for their calming qualities and to give the spaces identity.

Natural tones and the use of plenty of windows both at ground and clerestory level give the inside spaces a feeling of warmth and a sense of wellbeing.

Thanks to WRA for sending this in to the AEC.

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Bloglovin - a different way to follow and read your favourite blogs

April 13, 2015, 12:05 pm

≫ Next: A new centre in Belgium is elevated off the street with 6 "living areas" housed around a central sunny atrium

≪ Previous: The new Paper Nursery is a beacon among the bleak

Never heard of Bloglovin? I love it, as now I can read snippets of information from my favourite blogs that I like to follow and choose what I would like to delve into further. Try it out!

You can also now follow the AEC on Bloglovin (by clicking here)

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A new centre in Belgium is elevated off the street with 6 "living areas" housed around a central sunny atrium

April 16, 2015, 6:57 pm

≫ Next: A stepped centre in Japan with tree-like columns

≪ Previous: Bloglovin - a different way to follow and read your favourite blogs

Designed by ZAmpone Architectuur, the Pluchke (or "fluffy" in English) Daycare Centre is thoughtfully designed in considering the views of the building's young users.

Situated in Belgium's Brussels, the now 75 child-capacity centre was to replace an older and tired centre catering to 35 children.

The small site situated in front of a primary school was fully utilised by placing the daycare on the level above ground. Thus maintaining the street level for the public and the centres' administration spaces.

Six "living rooms" (group rooms or classrooms) each with their own outdoor terrace surround a central sunlit atrium and circulation space.

Thus connecting all of the spaces visually and physically.

The stairs also exhibiting a slide and playground - making the journey from up to down fun!

The architects cleverly considered the scale of the child in all instances. Offering a multitude of spatial experiences as well as furniture and hooks that can easily be used by the child.

Furniture and cabinetry is all custom designed - maximising the available space.

A minimal yet considered material and colour palette is chosen to convey a sense of calm and warmth...

Light timber, concrete, steel and muted paint colours are combined to create coherency and visual interest.

Nooks are provided for children to hide away in for rest or play.

While hanging light fittings give a homely feel.

Above, a view to one of the outdoor terraces is provided with a window nook.

A longitudinal section through the building shows the use of light wells offering an abundance of natural sunlight into the internal spaces.

Ground floor plan (above) - 1. Entrance, 2. Coaches, 3. Reception, 4. Director, 5. Staff Room, 6. Dressing Area, 7. Storage, 8. Kitchen, 9. Ironing Area, 10. Toilets, 14. Elevator,

Level 1 (above - 11. Living Area, 12. Washing Area, 13. Sleeping Area, 15. Terrace

Via Dezeen.

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A stepped centre in Japan with tree-like columns

April 29, 2015, 1:21 pm

≫ Next: This new centre clusters individual buildings around a common "piazza"

≪ Previous: A new centre in Belgium is elevated off the street with 6 "living areas" housed around a central sunny atrium

Hakusui Nursery in Chiba, Japan designed by Yamazaki Kentaro Design Workshop makes use of it's gently sloping site by creating large terraces or steps providing both physical fun and different zones for different activity.

Interspersed with these "steps" are custom-designed platforms (stages), cubbies, railings and enclosed "pods" for more quiet or private activity.

All sides of the steeped centre are characterised with floor to ceiling glass and large sliding windows and doors enabling fresh air, sun and access to the outdoors for play.

Natural ply is used for the floors and "steps" while pine is used for the many and varied structural columns - creating an effect like being in a forest. Appropriate for it's location next to a large wooded mountainous park nearby.

Colour is used sparingly giving identity to the various enclosed "pods" or rooms.

A unique feature of the nursery is the way the sloping roof collects rainwater and lets it gush over the edge of the roof as a waterfall - providing a fun water play area for the children.

On the top most side a large deck is also provided further encouraging the use of the outdoors for healthy play.

Via ArchDaily.

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This new centre clusters individual buildings around a common "piazza"

May 13, 2015, 11:03 pm

≫ Next: Large "studio" spaces and many connections to the outdoors are features of this new Japanese Kindergarten

≪ Previous: A stepped centre in Japan with tree-like columns

The Familienzentrum im Steinpark Kindergarten in Germany and designed by nbundm utilises simple forms that when clustered seemingly randomly create a number of various spaces and the notion of a village.

This arrangement meant each building could cater to one of the 8 groups, whilst all spilling out onto a central courtyard (or "piazza") space for shared learning and play.

A shared hall, dining and staff areas are also included.

The centre cleverly uses a minimal palette of materials meant to last. Prepatinated larch for the exterior cladding, and varnished spruce for the inside spaces.

A carefully selected colour palette is chosen, which combined with low hanging lights and and an abundance of large windows creates a homely feel.

Continuing with the timber theme, tree stumps are used both internally and externally. Adding both a natural and fun element to the otherwise minimalist design.

Playful and functional elements have been incorporated, with ample built-in storage as well as custom-designed furniture and cushions.

The green floors combined with the natural and textural timber qualities creating the feeling of being among the trees.

Via ArchDaily.

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Large "studio" spaces and many connections to the outdoors are features of this new Japanese Kindergarten

May 18, 2015, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: A rooftop playground makes the most of available space at this kindergarten

≪ Previous: This new centre clusters individual buildings around a common "piazza"

Youji No Shiro (designers of the DS Nursery) know how an early childhood centre should be and their latest Hanazono Kindergarten is no exception.

The kindergarten's design mediates the necessity for large, open and flexible space (for the centres' varying and changing needs) with attention to functionality, materiality and detail. A feat Japanese architects appear to be very good at.

Above, a grouped indoor and outdoor dining space.

Semi-enclosed decks, courtyards and terraces are employed along with large bi-folding doors to ensure maximum connection at all times with the natural outdoors for healthy learning.

Above, upstairs rooms offer playful bright bold colouring on its walls and varying sized openings between spaces - with even one on the floor!

The structure is constructed of steel and concrete, while other materials include both stained and natural timber, stacked hollow concrete blockwork, chalkboard walls and red brick. Materials which speak of timelessness.

Outside, a grassy mound and timber play structures encourage adventurous physical play.

The centres' design language of a system of grid-like squares lends itself to a variety of expressions. Seen above, the hollow concrete block creating a lovely pattern of light.

Via DesignBoom.

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A rooftop playground makes the most of available space at this kindergarten

May 26, 2015, 8:54 pm

≫ Next: Beautifully crafted wooden toys last a long time

≪ Previous: Large "studio" spaces and many connections to the outdoors are features of this new Japanese Kindergarten

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Beautifully crafted wooden toys last a long time

May 14, 2014, 5:36 pm

≫ Next: Make a mobile!

≪ Previous: A rooftop playground makes the most of available space at this kindergarten

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.

Via Handmade Charlotte.

Invest in well-made classic kids toys and they will bring joy for (hopefully) many lifetimes.

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Make a mobile!

May 14, 2014, 7:30 pm

≫ Next: The Clever Launch

≪ Previous: Beautifully crafted wooden toys last a long time

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!

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!

This colourful version is made by merakiandco available from Etsy.

Paper Runway have come up with this tutorial which uses coloured card and sewing.

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.

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The Clever Launch

May 19, 2014, 5:16 pm

≫ Next: Kids in Museums

≪ Previous: Make a mobile!

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.

Baby Dumbbell Teether by Petit Voyage from Manawatu.

Happy Little Poppets by The NZ Skincare Company from the Waikato.

Maori Alphabet Blocks by Johnson Witehira from Wellington.

The Pocket Pouch by Tegu from Honduras.

Via The Clever.

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Kids in Museums

May 25, 2014, 4:37 pm

≫ Next: Work and play being introduced into the workplace (I want to work here!)

≪ Previous: The Clever Launch

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.

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."

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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Work and play being introduced into the workplace (I want to work here!)

June 3, 2015, 2:52 pm

≫ Next: Park and slide - a new way to get from A to B?

≪ Previous: Kids in Museums

Via Yellow Trace.

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Park and slide - a new way to get from A to B?

May 12, 2014, 7:45 pm

≫ Next: A stepped centre in Japan with tree-like columns

≪ Previous: Work and play being introduced into the workplace (I want to work here!)

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.

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