The experiences children gather during their early years are fundamental to their future development and therefore the environments in which these early stages unfold, such as nurseries and primary schools, have an undeniable importance in this learning process. It is during this period that an individuals environment is perceived with the greatest intensity and every stimulus becomes a new discovery, a learning experience and hence a lifelong event. (1)
Nurseries are the most modest of education buildings, typically including only one or two playrooms and associated support accommodation. Nonetheless they still require particular consideration to ensure that the needs of their teaching staff and pupils are catered for. The practice is presently engaged by the Belfast Schools Partnership in a strategic partnership with the local education board, on the development of a new model for nurseries, that will maximise off-site and ‘dry’ construction methodology to reduce construction times, with a target of ideally allowing new schools to be completed over a summer holiday period.
At primary level the practice is working with government clients and contracting partners on schools, that again will utilise modular construction, and a low energy design strategy as part of a drive toward ‘zero carbon’ buildings.
(1) Preschool and Kindergarten Architecture,
Arian Mostaeli 2006