anjali grant design: preschool research

urban preschool playgrounds

12/29/2015

The last time I traveled to Manhattan I visited a few preschools to observe how the urban condition affects preschool design. The most significant difference between schools in our region and those in NYC is the availability of outdoor space. Above are two play spaces tucked into the slivers of leftover land between multistory apartment buildings on the Upper West side. Although direct sun is minimal, daylight is nonetheless a powerful force. Note the mirror on the image to the right.

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NY Times article on the kindergarten classroom

6/16/2014

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This article simplifies things somewhat, but the basic premise is interesting - not so much the idea that clutter is 'distracting', but rather the idea of leaving space for (children's own) making.

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case study: Montessori school in a repurposed residence

6/3/2014

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In January I visited the preschool (where my son was enrolled more than a few years ago) to observe and talk to teachers. This school is located in a dense urban neighborhood and serves a diverse group of children.
The outdoor space is a hotbed of activity. One of the favorite winter pastimes, according to teachers, is playing with rain: pouring, scooping, carrying water, 'cooking' with wood chips, making mud, watering plants.

The rainbarrel makes a good leaning post.

Below are some comments from teachers. I've included their 'wish lists' as well. You never know.

on outdoor space

Outdoor space is critical.
Have a door directly to the outside so that children can go freely in & out; doors should be easy to open. Bigger kids can go up and down stairs to go outside.
Wish list: more land, huge garden, animals, kids' bike shed for afternoon rides, dirt mounds, outdoor amphitheater.

on child-centeredness

Independent exploration is important.
Things should be child-sized; not too many high walls; let children see and survey the entire room.
Children want to squeeze into small spaces.
Children should be able to open windows as long as it is safe.
Let the kids build their own world. Avoid Disney-fication.

on teacher's needs

Everything should be mobile so that the teacher can arrange the space as needed.
You always need more space than you think, particularly outside.
Storage for each classroom is ideal; it is nice to be able to see what you plan to use the next day.
Music spaces need soundproofing. In general, acoustic dampening is very important.
Wish list: display/presentation space for the whole school. For example, weekly, a language teacher could leave out materials and objects.

what can you do with a fence?

1. hang jackets!

2. nail on some bark

3. grow some plants

"Spaces should not feel precious." Above are planters made from repurposed utility pipes.

"Things should be child-sized." The bottom step of a residence doubles as a toddler seat. Dutch architect Herman Hertzberger was a master of the multifunctional stair.

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fuji kindergarten

6/3/2014

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Link to Tezuka Architect's webpage with photos of the building

One of my favorite education buildings - although I have only seen it in photos - Fuji Kindergarten is a reminder to create spaces for joyous play, not just facilities for parking our kids while we are at work!

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urban preschool playgrounds

NY Times article on the kindergarten classroom

case study: Montessori school in a repurposed residence

fuji kindergarten

preschool blog

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