Vinh Le
Vinh has always been passionate about interior design and believes that the surrounding environment could have a profound impact on those occupying the space. For his thesis project, Vinh has decided to focus on daycare design. He wants to explore how the design of daycare spaces can enhance the learning and development of young children, as well as create a safe and stimulating environment for their overall well-being.
Project Overview
The Lakeshore Holistic Childcare Center caters to children aged 0-60 months, offering a nurturing environment fostering curiosity and holistic growth. Integrating age-appropriate technology and sensory equipment in a safe and stimulating setting promotes cognitive and sensory learning. Interactive elements and flexible spaces encourage social engagement, creating a supportive environment for holistic development.
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Parti Diagram / Treasure Map
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Conceptual Model
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Conceptual Approach
Concept/Design Process
The concept for this daycare is based on the idea of CURIOUSITY. Curiousity fuels learning, especially in early childhood. It drives exploration and creativity, essential for fostering engagement and a love for learning. Creating stimulating environments in educational settings, like daycares, encourages children to question, experiment, and explore their surroundings.
The design of the childcare facility is centred on creating a nurturing haven that stimulates curiosity and promotes holistic growth. Emphasizing nature-inspired elements from the surrounding landscape of the site and an open layout, the facility aims to encourage exploration and imaginative play among children.By immersing himself in a child's perspective, Vinh has delved into their needs and gained a deeper understanding of how children behave and explore their surroundings.
Site Plan/Floor Plan(s)
The location of the site, 3120 Lakeshore Blvd West, nestled within a residential area and overlooking Colonel Sam Smith Park, offers convenient access to public transportation and ample parking facilities. Inspired by the park's natural elements, Vinh has infused the daycare design with imagery of a seed and a tree, symbolizing growth and development.
This concept is echoed in the floor plan, with infant playrooms at the back symbolizing the "seed" and progressing towards preschool classrooms and play areas at the front, representing the "tree". To ensure safety, the building's floor is raised and leveled, minimizing tripping hazards during children's play. A designated parking space serves drop-off and pick-up purposes, while the East parking area is transformed into an outdoor play zone accessible from each classroom. The mezzanine houses staff and administrative offices, while the ground floor accommodates various classrooms and functional spaces.
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Main Level Floor Plan
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Mezzanine Level Floor Plan
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Section North - South
Sections/Elevations
The section below illustrates the relationships among key spaces.
3D Views
The main playground serves as a multi-purpose area that allow educators to provides children with a variety of activities. These activities include gross motor skills development, sensory play, imaginative play, and social interaction. The playground will be equipped with age-appropriate play structures, such as climbing frames, slides, and a ball pit. The playground is anchored by a custom-designed tree structure, which will serve as a focal point for the children to gather around.
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Main Playground
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Lobby
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Back Playground
Poster
This poster depicts the Holistic Childcare Center and some of the main spaces that the design entails.
