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
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