Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/creating-the-soul-of-a-program-a-place-for-children-families-and-teachers/5021194/
“The art of architecture studies not structure in itself, but the effect of structure on the human spirit.”Geoffrey Scott
A building, no matter how beautifully and thoughtfully designed, lacks the richness that makes it complete. Its inhabitants bring the structure to life and give it a spirit and soul. When we opened the doors of our new Center a little less than four years ago, our vision was to create:
• a place of joy.
• a small community within a large urban setting.
• a place to grow and learn together.
• a truly unique outdoor space.
• a kitchen as the heart of the center to bring children, adults, and meaningful, sustainable food experiences together.
The Concept of Wholeness
Whatever the setting, the curriculum, the philosophy, the child and teacher are part of the equation. And with that balance comes the intentionality of our days and moments with children. We believe that the intentional consideration of our environment will deepen the ways we think about our entire community and about our philosophy of teaching and learning together. We hold space for a child’s experience and the teacher’s experience, but also see the child as capable and built for the struggle to develop toward full potential. In ...