Entrance Area

Design considerations and awareness

The building entrance should be in a logical place that is consistent with a person’s expectations as they approach the setting. The entrance should be legible, visible and recognisable from a distance, creating a sense of welcome that is accessible for all users. An aesthetically pleasing entrance will encourage a child to enter and will help create a sense of belonging.

Depending on the site layout or building location, the entrance area may directly adjoin the public realm or may be set back from the boundary. Either way, the entrance area should be designed to create a strong sense of place and identity helping to integrate and connect the setting with the community.

The entrance area should be treated as a social space and part of the children’s extended environment that supports play, adventure and multi-sensory experiences.

Tigers Childcare, Blanchardstown, Dublin.

Design features

• The entrance is sheltered and spacious.
• The seating ensures that people who need to sit can do so while they wait to be admitted.

Waterford Childcare Centre, Waterford City.

Design features

• A canopy extending from the entrance gate to the main door provides shelter on approach.
• Using the uprights of the canopy to fly flags gives children a sense of identity and belonging.

Design tip

• The entrance door (see arrow) could be painted a different colour to aid visibility.
• Seating and more planting would improve the entrance area.

A covered entrance area provides shelter to users as they enter and leave the building. Consideration should be given to an outdoor covered area at the entrance as a waiting area for users. Entrance canopies and covered areas adjacent to the entrance will also make the entrance more visible and easier to identify.

All pedestrian paths leading to the entrance should be flat, even, well drained and sufficiently wide to account for people pushing buggies, walking with small children, or using a wheelchair. Wayfinding signage should identify the entrance area on approach and clearly indicate the entrance door location. Good levels of evenly distributed artificial lighting should be provided at the entrance area, while consideration should be given to seating within this space (as part of or separate from the covered waiting area).

A. Footpaths with a minimum width of 2000mm but preferably up to 2400mm.

B. A welcoming entrance area that creates a strong relationship with the community.

C. A space for discovery and play for children.

D. Clearly visible signage identifying the setting.

E. Good levels of artificial lighting.

F. A covered entrance area giving shelter and making the entrance more visible.

G. Good views into the reception area so that a person knows where they are going.

H. Secure bicycle locking.

Busy Kids Childcare, Lucan, Dublin.

Design features

• The location of the entrance is clearly visible from the community and helps to integrate the setting into the locality.
• Covered area clearly identifies the entrance and provides a degree of shelter and shade.

Design tip

• Wayfinding signage would help users to find entrance.
• Use of planting or colour would make the entrance easier to find on approach.