Guided by the University’s teaching philosophy, the design cultivates experiential learning. Five distinct buildings mark the perimeter of a generous courtyard anchored by an historic Eastern water oak, providing a safe enclosure for children that intensifies their connection to the environment. Movable walls offer flexibility to create intimate learning spaces or open circulation for more active play.
Creating a sense of indoor-outdoor unity, windows invite light in from two sides and natural materials express commitment to sustainability. Building systems contribute to student engagement — even the radiant heating system works at the child’s level. Opportunities for hands-on learning extend to such features as a rainwater catchment system that directs flows to bioswales along an inviting stream bed kids can see and touch.