Amici- Westbourne Early Learning Centre

School: Amici- Westbourne Early Learning Centre was opened in 2014 following an extensive design project. The philosophical and pedagogical approaches of our Centre are supported by the architectural design. The design needed to reflect the importance we place on the environment: one which reflects the rights of the child to be surrounded by beautiful, engaging and inspiring spaces, materials and resources both indoors and outdoors. The space needed to provide opportunities for interaction, autonomy, research as well as a sense of pleasure to those living within it. The ELC demonstrates the interplay between the architectural design and the philosophical approach supporting the teaching and learning which occurs within its walls. Our building definitely has a heart and soul brought to life by the children, educators and families who live in harmony within the space.

Applicant: The school employed a psychologist/educational consultant to develop the Reggio Emilia philosophy prior to our engagement. Hede Architects met the educational team and were requested to produce a concept to meet that specification and build on it through the planning process. We expanded on the localness and ESD though a materials selection philosophy that built on the village based Reggio Emilia philosophy, enhancing community contact.

The open learning spaces around a central piazza encouraged students to freely develop their own initiatives. The spaces were assembled in a connected group with pockets/nooks of space able to offer students a range of environments serviced by a range of external connections via windows, box windows and access to the piazza. The colour and materials chosen did not compete with the children’s influence on the space and had a soft, calm backdrop role, providing acoustic assistance to learning. The building offers flexibility and can be added to the north with an expansion of the piazza beyond the ‘bridge’. The staff room can be doubled in size for future extensions. The learning areas are openly connected, enabling groups to be expanded or contracted easily according to enrolment age profiles.