Overarching features: integrated, playful and multisensory spaces

Design considerations and awareness

An ELC setting should promote play, movement, adventure and challenge through the creation of flexible, interesting and diverse spaces. The environment should provoke and celebrate investigation, risk taking and critical thinking, while promoting engagement with the senses including sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.

At the same time a balanced approach to multisensory stimulation should be taken to provide calm, uncluttered and carefully structured spaces. Providing an appropriate level of interest that avoids over stimulation or distraction is important. This benefits all children, not only those who are sensitive to their environment. Connected spaces tied together by a coherent and unified layout will help orientate all occupants and create a strong sense of place. Weaving together the inside and outside spaces will help bring nature into the building while also providing children and practitioners with direct access to the outdoors.

Naíonra Choill Mhic Thomasín, Kilmacthomas, County Waterford.

Design features

• Space designed in line with a child’s proportions to create an intimate and child-centred space.
• Restrained use of colour and materials create a relaxing and calm environment.
• The circular and horizontal windows windows create interest for children while providing them with a view to the outside.

Gambero Rosso, Infant-Toddler Centre, San Miniato, Italy.

Design features 

• Uncluttered space gives children room to engage in the environment.
• Materials are accessible to children, supporting choice and independence.
• Cleverly designed chairs that can be easily flipped over to provide seating for either
  children or adults.