The project of the non-public kindergarten "Empiria" in Gdansk, created by Lucyna Lebiedzinska from the Faculty of Architecture, Engineering and Art at the Sopot Academy of Applied Sciences, under the direction of Dr. Magdalena Berlinska, is inspired by Waldorf pedagogy.It is an alternative to traditional pedagogy that pays special attention to the development of children's independence, creativity and social skills. It emphasizes a holistic approach to education, which makes it an extremely attractive basis for designing educational spaces.
facade of the building
© Lucyna Lebiedzińska
waldorf pedagogy
Waldorf pedagogy, created by Rudolf Steiner, is based on the idea that a child's development should be harmonious and include both physical, emotional and intellectual aspects. A preschool inspired by this idea focuses on creating spaces that support all these elements. At "Empiria", children will have access to spaces that stimulate creativity, contact with nature and the opportunity to develop their abilities in a free yet safe manner.
analysis of children's behavior
© Lucyna Lebiedzińska
reactivation of the kindergarten in the existing building
The concept of the kindergarten is to reactivate the facility in an existing school building in Gdansk. The first step in the design process was the separation of space for the kindergarten and its expansion. This included the addition of a terrace and a conservatory that would serve as a corridor. Such a solution not only promotes better organization of the space, but most importantly eliminates the need for long movement of children inside the building, which was a challenge in the previous location of the kindergarten.
functional zones
© Lucyna Lebiedzińska
The terrace was planned to organize gardening activities, supporting the idea of proximity to nature and hands-on learning, very important in Waldorf pedagogy.
outdoor landscaping
The advantage of the location of the kindergarten is the spacious plot of land on which the building is located. The project envisages the transformation of the existing paved square into green areas, i.e. space for outdoor recreation and education. The plan includes the creation of a mini amphitheater and a vegetable garden - places for children's activities and the organization of preschool events. These spaces are intended not only to entertain, but also to develop in children the ability to work in a group, responsibility for the environment and understanding of nature.
entrance area, reception
© Lucyna Lebiedzińska
multifunctional and flexible interiors
The central premise of the "Empiria" kindergarten's interior concept is to create multifunctional spaces, modified according to needs. The kindergarten provides three teaching rooms that can be combined into larger spaces, promoting integration and interaction between groups. Each of the rooms is equipped with mobile furniture, making it possible to organize various activities, from art classes to movement exercises.
checkroom
© Lucyna Lebiedzińska
Thematic zones have also been designed, adapted to the current topics of classes. These spaces are color-neutral so as not to overwhelm children with an excess of stimuli, but to allow them to focus on activities and their own ideas.
Spaces that support development and safety
Attention to ergonomics and child safety is one of the key aspects of the design. A number of elements have been planned in the nursery, fostering the independence of the youngest, such as recesses and lockers for toys, lockers in the checkroom that children can label themselves, and a house from which they can observe the bird feeder.
corridor, photo gallery
© Lucyna Lebiedzińska
detail of the playhouse
© Lucyna Lebiedzinska
There is also a quiet zone with a library, adjacent to the nap room - a place to rest and calm down after intensive activities. The multipurpose room, on the other hand, which can be divided by curtains, serves as a center for creativity and play. It is equipped with a wooden platform, used as a stage during preschool events.
sleeping room
© Lucyna Lebiedzińska
creative activities
Inspired by Waldorf pedagogy, the preschool has planned a special workshop room, which can be divided into two rooms. It makes it possible to organize workshops in various fields - from cooking, through sensory activities, to art. An additional advantage is an open corridor, where there is a play zone, equipped with a platform, ladders and a climbing wall. Such solutions promote children's motor development and imagination.
didactic room, thematic corners
© Lucyna Lebiedzińska
The project also includes an area for teaching staff. It includes a meeting room that provides a quiet place to work and exchange experiences. The space is intended to promote cooperation between male and female teachers and improve the comfort of their work.
terrace
© Lucyna Lebiedzińska
The interior concept of the "Empiria" kindergarten in Gdansk is an example of how a modern approach to education can be translated into interior architecture. The creation of modifiable multifunctional spaces and the emphasis on the development of creativity and independence, create optimal conditions for the comprehensive development of children.
