“Childhood is filled with natural wonder and curiosity. The learning environments must reflect a classroom and outdoor space that inspires a sense of wanting to investigate, to find out and to explore.”

— Kathy Walker

How the physician environment affects childhood development

01

Long Island is well-known for having some of the most expensive and high-quality school districts in the country.

The Hempstead school district is considered poor and largely minority, with many immigrants who speak poor English and came from countries with a poor education system.

02

In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for child development facilities that can contribute to young children's educational environment.

03

Children spend a significant amount of time in school. Many of these environments are in older buildings with outdated environmental systems such as lighting, heating, sound, and other acoustic control.

Site: Hempstead

Hempstead is a village in Nassau County, New York, United States, located in the Town of Hempstead. According to the United States Census Bureau, the population is 55,113 people. It is New York's most densely populated village. It is the most highly populated community in both the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County.

Location

50-54 Polk Ave, Hempstead, NY 11550
Total square feet 32,821 — 50-54 Polk Ave, Hempstead, NY 11550 Total square feet 32,821

522 Peninsula Blvd, Hempstead, NY 11550
Total square feet 19,866 — 522 Peninsula Blvd, Hempstead, NY 11550 Total square feet 19,866

Design Proposal

I am proposing a children learning center, the objective is to set higher standards for the design of child development environments in Hempstead, NY.
The center will introduce new concepts in children’s physical environment, innovative technologies to implement social and physical learning environments that are enriching, welcoming, responsive to children’s interests and that have a positive impact on children’s learning.
The goal of this project is to improve the overall learning experience for children, through engagement, modern facilities, interactive spaces for teaching and learning.

Program

01

Child Development

Assist children in developing into healthy, thriving adults by providing supportive education and leadership programs, sporting activities.

02

Healthy Living

Promote personal and community well–being fitness classes, family activities, and group interests are available for people of all ages, interests, and skill levels, allowing them to live active.

03

Social Responsibility

Support and inspire action in our communities through community programs, local outreach, and global engagement.

What is it about?

•Children’s physical and well being environment in Hempstead, New York.
•Design approaches to promote creativity in education
•Social and physical learning environments that promote a positive impact on children's learning.

WHY a Child Learning Center

The spaces children spend time have an impact on their learning and development.
By designing interior and outdoor spaces children can play, learn and develop their skills. The facility will benefit the community in Hempstead.

How can it help?

Appreciate nature, learn about the environment and sustainability
Wellbeing, creativity, develop independence
Provide a wide range of indoor and outdoor experiences to promote development and independence
Keep children safe but also test their skills and building abilities
The wellbeing of children, parents, and staff
Physical environment and mental health, how to engage with others
Collaboration
Social, emotional wellbeing

Quantitative Formats of Gathering

1.Questionnaires and Surveys

Ex: Would you rather play soccer or tennis?

2.Structured Interviews

Ex: When do you feel most creative?

What spaces or environments make you feel creative?

Qualitative Formats of Gathering

1.Interviews

Ex: What do you like to do in your free time? What is your favorite class

2.Ethnography

Ex: Visit the Public Library and observe kid’s behavior, grouping

Natural environments have an impact on humans not only physically, but also psychologically.
Natural elements such as lines, colors, textures, high contrasts, circulation, and complex details expand children's mental images, curiosity, and imagination.

Proposed Building

Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts
Art center for a mix of Brown University's departments, including theater, dance, music, and visual art.
Architects: Diller Scofidio + Renfro
Construction Management: Shawmut Design & Construction — Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts Art center for a mix of Brown University's departments, including theater, dance, music, and visual art. Architects: Diller Scofidio + Renfro Construction Management: Shawmut Design & Construction Area: 38,815 square-foot Year: 2011 Type: Cultural Center Providence, R.I

I will contrast the site by incorporating organic shapes and sustainable materials.
1 floor- Lobby and Reception
2-3 floor- Classrooms, Activities, Performance
4 floor- Conference Rooms- Staff Area

Design Concept

I used nature as my design basis. I looked at unique patterns in nature and analyzed their unique characteristics that will be incorporated into my design concept following form and function. As nature grows, so is the desire to bring beauty to the community in Hempstead.

Interpretation and Implementation The four elements of matter

Earth + Air +Sun

Earth is fertile. Earth represents strength, abundance, prosperity, and stability.
Air is connected to the soul and the breath of life. Air represents the mind and Intelligence, communication, telepathy, creativity, and imagination.
Earth +Water +Sun

Fire creates and destroys. Fire is a symbol of energy, inspiration, love, and passion.
Earth + Water

Water represents emotions, absorption, purification, and movement.

Process

Distribution

It started the process by outlining the main cracks then later can potentially be transformed into 3D.

Connectivity

It started the process by outlining the midrib and veins within the leave. This process can be used during the space planning to categorize adjacency as well as primary and secondary spaces.