New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 33/03C | Page 43

closed. And some light while others can be dark.” On top of this, the centre needed three separate areas for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers, each specially designed for their differing requirements. Miles says that the obvious place for the infants was in the heritage section of the building. “It was tucked away from the main area and had lots of natural light, creating a cosy environment,” she says. “Plus the windows were at a low level so children could look out of them at floor level.” The old fit-out had included a kitchen, so this position was retained for the child centre’s kitchen, which has been retrofitted with a similar layout. Next to this is a large open area with tables and chairs used at meal times and a more structured area where pre-schoolers can get a sense of what it will be like when they move to their primary school. “As in a home, the kitchen is at the heart of the centre, and everything here is designed for the children to participate and take responsibility as a learning process,” says Creagh. The tables are low and meals and cutlery are placed in the centre for children to help themselves. To the side is a low bench and sink for children to do their own clean up. And a pull out step in the base of this cabinetry can be swung across to the search | save | share at