Our practice is informed by the idea that the building has to meet its purpose with elegance– it must be beautiful, and it has to work really well for those who use it. This project, built for a hard-working non profit in a high-need space, earns its keep. The interconnected nature of child development demands holistic support, and through dual and triple-purpose spaces that couple action and respite, play and focus, and observation and autonomy, the building serves the whole child, providing the therapy team with a facility that fosters comprehensive care. These design moves often seem invisible, until you experience them as a child or practitioner, and they reveal a boldness in their adherence to purpose.
Imagine an early childhood environment where children navigate their day amidst vibrant gardens, climbing trees, and open spaces that invite imaginative play. In this environment every corner is designed not just to meet basic needs but to spark joy, foster friendships, and ignite curiosity. Thoughtfully designed spaces can dramatically improve the development and well-being of young children, yet many early childhood environments fall short of these ideals. What if the key to unlocking a child’s full potential lies in the spaces where they play and explore? Designing early childhood spaces with a focus on play and interaction with nature is crucial for fostering development. Architects and designers must prioritize these elements to create environments that support and enhance the growth and well-being of young children.
PLAY
In the early years of life, play is the rhythm that shapes our days, a vital thread weaving through moments spent with family, friends, or even alone with cherished toys. In a preschool classroom, play is more than just a break from structured learning—it’s a gateway to exploration, growth, and connection. After completing tasks, the children are given the freedom to immerse themselves in play, choosing from an array of activities spread across the room. They move fluidly, driven by curiosity and excitement, switching from one activity to another, each choice a step in their development.
During one such playtime, a group of preschoolers engaged in a spirited session of role-playing. Two children, on all fours, took on the personas of dogs. They crawled beneath tables and maneuvered around chairs, their laughter and sounds of barking filling the room as they chased one another, play-fought over toys, and shared pretend meals. This spontaneous play, chosen freely by the children, allowed them to forge social bonds, unleash their imaginations, and learn about their physical capabilities through movement and rough-and-tumble interactions.
In designing such spaces, it’s important to consider not just the physical scale of the environment but also the ways in which children interact with and control it. “Giving them control of something,” as Mark Johnson, principal of Signal Architecture + Research suggests, can be transformative. Located just north of Seattle at Encompass Northwest and designed by Signal Architecture + Research, this 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art pediatric therapy facility has brought to life this choice by providing opportunities for children to draw on walls or on glass, and even use iPads to control the lights in therapeutic rooms changing the atmosphere to match their imagination. With a tap, the room could become a deep-sea adventure, a space odyssey, or Batman’s lair, with the lighting and mood adjusted to suit the child’s chosen fantasy. Such elements not only enhance the play experience but also empower children to shape their surroundings, deepening their engagement and sense of agency.
The design of such spaces is crucial. As Johnson explains, “Children get on the floor, and it’s this idea that the floor is a space, too.” In a classroom designed with children in mind, the world is viewed from their perspective. “When kids are on the floor everything needs to be scaled to their level – windows should be low, everything needs to be low. We need to start adjusting these elements to their scale,” Johnson continues, urging designers to move away from the adult-centric view towards the creation of environments that truly support and enrich the developmental journey of young children.
NATURE
Interactions with the natural environment also play a key role in early childhood development by expanding creativity, fostering cognitive growth, and supporting social development. In designing spaces for young children, incorporating elements of the natural world can significantly enhance their well-being and learning experiences.
When the architects at Signal Architecture + Research set out to design the therapy rooms for Encompass Northwest, they listened closely to the children who would use the space. “Kids’ desire to see nature was a big thing,” says Johnson. This insight drove the design process, leading to decisions that would transform the institutional feel of the therapy rooms into something more organic and nurturing. By incorporating large windows that open to views of the horizon, trees, and the distant Mount Si, the designers sought to create a soothing, soft perspective that minimizes distractions from the busy outside world. The focus was on increasing visibility of the natural environment while reducing the intrusion of cars and pedestrians, thus maintaining a peaceful atmosphere conducive to healing and concentration.
But visibility alone isn’t enough. Being in proximity to and actively engaging with nature is vital, especially for young children. Studies show that such interactions can reduce stress and alleviate symptoms of attention deficit disorders. The exterior of Encompass Northwest offers a sensory garden, a space carefully curated with selective plantings. Johnson notes the garden contains “a very blue or very silver tree, like a conifer, and other deciduous trees that change with the seasons,” as well as “varied textures on the ground, inviting children to walk barefoot.” The design allows the children to hear different sounds and feel different sensations. These tactile experiences provide a rich, multi-sensory interaction with nature, grounding children in their surroundings and fostering a deep connection to the environment.
As a child arrives at Encompass Northwest, they begin their journey from the parking lot, where they are greeted by the vibrant colors of the plants and the gentle textures of the ground underfoot. As they approach the building, they catch glimpses of the interior through the windows, building a sense of anticipation. This journey continues as the child moves inside through the lobby into the motor room, where they are given opportunities to play while still being able to gaze out at the lush green surroundings. This continuous connection to nature, whether through direct interaction or visual contact, while providing ample opportunities for play was a central design consideration for both Encompass Northwest and Signal.
DESIGNING FOR & WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Designing spaces for young children is a unique challenge that requires stepping outside of the adult-centric perspective and fully immersing oneself in the world as seen, heard, and felt by a child. The principles that guide this process are rooted in understanding and a deep commitment to serving the needs of the youngest users.
Understanding Scale and Experience
Hearing from the Children
Setting the Stage for Exploration
In a world where the spaces we create for our youngest learners can profoundly impact their development, the role of architects, designers and educators becomes not just technical, but deeply humanistic. By understanding the scale and experience of a child, listening to their voices, and prioritizing their need for play and connection with nature, we can create environments that move beyond function to inspire, nurture, and grow alongside the children who inhabit them.
The journey through thoughtfully designed spaces, where every element is carefully considered, is not just about meeting immediate needs. It’s about setting the stage for a lifetime of learning, curiosity, and well-being. As we join children in the present and look toward the future, the key to unlocking a child’s potential lies not only within the walls of the classroom but in the spaces where they play, explore, and connect with the natural world around them. The experiences of our children—and the world they will shape—depends on the spaces we create for them today.
