PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The design of North Kansas City Schools Early Education Center responds to a unique group of early learners. Both the need to consolidate the district’s Early Childhood Special Education program in one place, coupled with growing early childhood offerings in general, led the district to pursue adaptive reuse of an existing big box store. The building is broken down into 7 learning communities designed around biophilic themes in nature, ranging from honeycomb, to butterflies. The 112,000 SF facility houses 900 early learners ages 3-5, making it one of the largest early childhood facilities in the state, approximately 50% of that population are special needs learners. Interior finishes and graphics have been carefully considered to make sure all learners, both special needs and others, are afforded equitable learning experiences. As part of a completely integrated design process, DLR Group created a storybook based on the environmental graphics from the project. The book was shared with parents so they could read the story to their children before the first day of school. The goal is that on day-one the children are welcomed by their "friends" from the storybook and it will help ease the anxiety of their first day of school.

PROJECT INFORMATION

Entry Type: Single Entry

Channel: Immersive

Primary Role of the Designer: Designer as brand steward

Client Relationship: Unknown (NA) / Other (if other, please explain) New Client

Intention of the Project: Unknown (NA) / Other (if other, please explain) Repurposing of a former big box store into an early education center.

Development Budget: More than $50,000

Production/Execution Budget: More than $100,000

Source of Funding: Client

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CREDIT INFORMATION

Creative Director:

Art Director:

Designers: Chris Cox; Ian Kilpatrick; Stacy Davis

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Illustrator: Chris Cox

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Other Credits: Ian Kilpatrick - Architect; Stacy Davis - Interior Designer

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