Wonderland Learning Center

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Wonderland Experiential Learning Center provides hands-on, extra-curricular, educational opportunities for school age children. The concept design for this Wonder Café space features a learning tree for a free book-share program and a computer bar where students can borrow devices if they do not have their own. Planned on either side of a diagonal axis through the space, two different atmospheres of comfort and inclusion exist for a diversity of learners to work, socialize, create, or learn.

Dimensions & Packaging

The conceptual design was based on the typical size and structure of a junior high school gymnasium (roughly 25.5m x 30m x 5m to bottom of structural deck) because the client was in negotiations with a school board to repurpose an old middle school building for Wonderland. The visualization provided ideas to help the board see how the existing gymnasium could be repurposed for the Wonderland Kids Café and adjacent rooms could be used for specialty technology instruction.

Tags

Interior Design, Education Design, Community Design, Makerspace

Production Technology

The conceptual rendering for the Wonderland Experiential Learning Center is modeled in SketchUp and Rendered with Enscape. Plan diagrams were exported from Sketchup and completed with Illustrator. Videos and interactive 360 panorama walkthroughs were also created for the client for viewing on screen and in immersive VR headsets. The proposed custom learning tree is designed for ease of fabrication with a CNC router and laser cut "W" shaped wood screen inserts.

Design Challenge

The visualization needed to be accomplished in a very short amount of time (2-weeks). As a proposal, the design used parameters for the desired building but needed to be flexible enough to be adapted into any space.

Project Duration

Concept design began in July of 2021 and was presented to the community school board 2 weeks later for support in acquiring space. Wonderland is currently operating in a temporary building and hopes to acquire or build a permanent home in the near future.

Operation Flow

The main space, or kids café, includes book shelving along the outside of the custom learning tree. This free library, conceived of as a book share program, will allow children to explore interests. Provided books will include materials that children can use in the adjacent maker labs (science/technology/craft/maker topics). The central learning tree incorporates transparent panels with natural elements and laser cut screens to provide interest and ensure that views can be maintained throughout the space at all times for safety and supervision. A variety of seating, including pillow/bean bag chairs, make children comfortable to explore at their own pace and promote movement and social learning. A variety of seating types and privacy settings cater to different needs and moods of children visiting the space. The environment will be technology rich with computers and wifi available throughout the space. The adjacent technology learning labs will be designed with storefronts that reflect activities taking place inside, to connect to their application in industry.

Research

The designer has engaged in an extensive literature review of pedagogy, learning styles, early childhood education, and learning spaces which was incorporated into the main idea for flexibility, diverse settings, and defined areas in the space.

Inspiration

Wonderland provides opportunities for children to grow intellectually, creatively, emotionally, socially and physically through technology education. Growth elements are integrated throughout the design, including the learning tree, private tree house booths, collaborative savanna and climbing hills. Material and accent lighting selections also represent natural growth elements. A variety of areas are included to welcome all learners with diverse backgrounds and personalities.

Colors of Wonderland Learning Center