“Create a space that children love to be in. That their parents want their kids to explore. That our teachers will love to introduce to their students.”

That was our charge at the Bellevue College Early Learning Center: create a learning landscape for children from 6 months to 5 years of age. The existing courtyards had proved too large, making it challenging to effectively supervise and steward play experiences. MxM team members rescaled the two large courtyards into five smaller outdoor rooms--two infant to 3-year-old play areas, two toddler play areas, and a lawn for outdoor classes and celebrations--providing better places to oversee children and a diversity of outdoor learning experiences and a variety of play experiences.

The specific play area concepts grew from the client’s desire to provide engaging and open-ended play opportunities through the use of natural features and a few signature nature-inspired elements like oversized pine cone huts, mirrored fences, and beach-bound boats. The concepts found space for all the desired play and learning spaces, as well as a stage for young performers and gardening opportunities for the children.

Project completed by Brice Maryman while at MIG