Parks Child Development Center

The design concept for CDA Parks Child Development Center was to soften the mostly concrete site and bring in more natural elements through materials and by replace sections of concrete with planting areas. CDA’s principles and values of integrating a vibrant, healthy, and more natural environment that support STEAM education guided the design program. Studio Nectary’s role (while a contracted designer and project manager for Rooted In Place) was as designer and project manager.

In 2015, we developed the design concept with teacher input through a detailed survey and design review process. The concept included defined play and learning areas, pops of color from art elements and utilizing planters to bring in more plants and delineate spaces. We created a robust design package with the concept plan and supporting imagery to support CDA’s funding strategy. In 2017, CDA was awarded a First 5 San Diego Quality Preschool Initiative (QPI) grant and received generous donations from MA Engineers, Inc., and Bank of the West to fulfill the vision of transforming Parks into a dynamic outdoor learning environment.

COLLABORATORS:

Child Development Associates – Client
Rooted In Place Landscape Architecture and Consulting
Kline Swonger - Artist Lead

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