““We are going to have a tree in our classroom! A real tree!!!” - Earth Class Children”
Project Scope :
Full Interior Architectural Design Service, with additional focus on Bespoke workstations in Kitchen, the Storage / Art Wall, and the Main Feature "The Giving Tree". Area of coverage include main classroom / new kitchen, main restroom, and new S.E.N Toilet
Budget :
45K +/-
Year of completion :
2017-Feb. 2018
Special Mention:
Custom Features fabricated by Live Edge Ltd
TH Nursery Earth Class , Islington London
This project was one of my favorites to work on, as I've always wanted to design a space for young children. I was delighted to have had the opportunity to be involved in TH Primary's efforts in transforming early education's spaces into inspiring places to learn and play, starting with their nursery classroom for 3~4 years old. It's personal on many levels, and one of the reasons was because I've always wanted to design a kindergarten, as I strongly believe that a classroom, being one of the very first place aside from home, is where children will have many of their first encounters. It is a place where children can learn to extend their trust in people, where they learn to socialize and interact with others outside of the immediate family, and of course where important learning in the form of free play / well thought out teaching begins. Because I personally had such fond memories of my own kindergarten, I was more than happy and ready to dive into this project.
When the head teacher of TH primary mentioned about wanting to modernize the school starting with the Nursery, and to incorporate a very popular school philosophy known as Reggio Emilia's "third teacher", I knew this project would turn out to be truly enjoyable and full of joy. Because this philosophy emphasizes this key element; "Not only are teachers as well as parents act as a “co-learner” to their kids, the school’s classroom as a whole, plays an equally important role and becomes children’s 'Third Teacher'". Therefore it is imperative that the space they learn in offers them a nice well lit open place to run around in, they should also be allowed to freely explore and socialize with one another on their own term. This philosophy aligns perfectly with my own thinking on how a space should be organized in order to create a place that fosters self-guided learning, sensory exploration, positive interpersonal relationship development, and most importantly, an increased awareness and appreciation for his/her environment.
For TH Primary, this could be achieved via the “Giving Tree”. The tree occupies the center of the room (it takes what appeared to be an obstruction at first glance, a giant column in the middle of the room and makes it into a key feature), and sets the tone for the entire space. Kids can gather around here for various large or small group activities, both teacher led or spontaneous play that tends to happen organically when you have a gathering of 3-4 year old. And from that moving outwards, cozier smaller spaces defined by mobile stations can effectively become focused learning zones suitable for various small group work.
The Giving Tree, as it was inspired by the famous children's literature "The Giving Tree", has become quite a lovable tree in the classroom. It serves confidently as as a gathering spot, it houses their favorite books, it gives the children a chance to decorate and showcase their works, and so much more. It has become the pride and joy of the Nursery, and it will continue to give for all the children to come.