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Exterior
The program moved from the historic home and apartments on the site to a new facility in August of 2005. The building was designed to provide an environment that offers opportunities for interaction between and among teachers, children and parents. The transparency of the doors and windows extends an invitation to encounters with the playgrounds and with the interior environments and members of the community.
The building program, conceptual floor plan and
exterior were designed by Kuhn Riddle Architects. The detailing, engineering and construction
were by O’Leary Company and the interior finishes were selected and coordinated by the interior
design firm of Lukas Design Interiors.
There are three adjoining preschool classrooms, an
infant room and three adjoining toddler rooms. The spaces are designed to offer opportunities
for encounters and interactions. The interior doors are glass and many windows provide
views to the outside. There is a main “Common” where groups gather for gross motor activities
and block play, a smaller Common in the infant/toddler wing for more intimate gatherings,
and a studio that supports extended investigations and explorations with materials.
Two fenced
playground areas are currently under development in
collaboration with Smith College faculty and students. The playgrounds include structures
and equipment as well as a naturalized landscape that reflects the history of the
site.
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History
Facility
Facts at a Glance |
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