Architectural Design
Education Design International
Kai Early Years, designed by Education Design Architects is not just a building for early childhood education, it is an experience. Curvilinear patterns guide the child to the school building through a variety of experiences such as the sound and sensory garden, climbing structures and mounds, and the herb and kitchen garden. Indigenous flowering plants and trees that offer a seasonal burst of color. These, along with the fruit trees that are planted along the compound wall are an integral part of the outdoor learning experience.
The sensory walkway with various patterns and textures stimulates the child’s senses, thereby enhancing brain development. The community center and the early childhood center are planned around a central open play area that is covered by membrane roofing so that is it usable throughout the year. At the same time, entries to the two buildings are independent and distinct, keeping in mind security, safety and functional requirements.
The design team has been very mindful in providing indoor and outdoor spaces for exploration, play and. Various learning zones include the manipulative zone, cognitive zone, reading zone and story-telling zone to name a few. The outdoor learning deck is an extension of the indoor spaces, which makes it second nature to teachers and children to shift between the indoors and outdoors. Active play includes a multi-play structure, climbing hex, balancing beam, stepping pods and rock-climbing wall, spinners, climbers, water play structure and an athletic track. Kids can even use their imagination to assemble a play structure of their own!
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