Educare schools honored for design
November 03, 2014
Educare Lincoln and Educare Washington, DC, both designed by RDG Planning & Design, are being recognized for their innovative design that highlights the importance of early education and enhances the learning experience for Educare children.
This year, Educare Lincoln, received the Plains chapter of the International Interior Design Association’s (IIDA) 2014 Gold-level award in the education under 50,000 sq. ft. category, in recognition of outstanding interior design. In addition, the school won the Bronze-level Award of Excellence in Environment and Experience from the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Nebraska chapter for itsengaging environmental graphics that improve the human experience.
A dominant feature of Educare Lincoln’s design, the ‘story wall,’ connects the mission of the center and the context of the site, mixing shapes, colors and textures to represent local diversity. Along the length of the wall, curving lines grow and shrink, excite and fade—representative of a child’s journey playing and discovering. Direct daylight shines on the wall through apertures in the roof, creating patterns of light that enhance the experience of the corridor throughout the day.
The school also achieved LEED certification last fall, showing its commitment to a healthy and environmentally responsible building.
This fall, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) honored Educare Washington, DC, with its Design Merit Award at the annual Nebraska AIA conference. The award jury commented that the school’s “openness and sense of connection to the courtyard is a strong and clear organizational approach,” and that the building creates “a very happy environment for children.”
Last year, the school received AIA’s Central States Award. The interior and exterior spaces for young learners at Educare Washington, DC, were designed to be developmentally appropriate to their size. This encourages young children to be engaged in their environment and learning. The children are also able to manipulate their surroundings and in turn develop confidence.
View photos of Educare Lincoln and Educare Washington.
