Calvin Vincent Early Childhood Center

The design of the new Calvin Vincent Early Childhood Center is based on a “neighborhood” concept. The building layout is configured to house 16 experience classrooms grouped in clusters of four neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is accompanied with a high-volumed central collaboration space, coupled with other supporting amenities. These neighborhoods are paired around two outdoor play areas centrally located within the building footprint with special programs classrooms situated at the core.

These themed experience classrooms focus on topics such as space, Earth, plants, animals, community, creativity, and personal mindfulness. The immersive classrooms create an environment that works in conjunction with and in support of classroom resources and curriculum, which create an environment in which students find learning fun.

The main entrance, administration, and adult learning center are positioned on the north, while the southern portion of the building houses an indoor play area, music, and building support spaces.

The architectural expression embodied the spirit and essence of this Gulf Coast community. Inspiration for the concept stemmed from imagery of maritime activities, natural habitats, and park and recreational environments. Primary colors reflect the age group it is intended to serve. Colors were assigned on the exterior to highlight architectural elements. Red was primarily used to articulate taller slender columns supporting extended roof overhangs. While blue was symbolically used on the wave-like canopies to represent water and air. Yellow and green were coupled together to provide grounding and support for canopies at the bus drop-off and parent drop-off areas. The use of color is also implemented on the exterior perimeter of the building to help identify four clusters of experience classrooms; each cluster of experience classrooms is assigned a color based on the category of experiences it houses.