Sense is a kindergarten project whose main goal was to create a sensory stimulating and developing space. I began my analysis by researching the topic of emotional problems among children and the factors that contribute to the deterioration of their mental state. Listing the most important issues, I began to look for design tools that are able to realistically affect the well-being of the youngest children, help create a space that corrects any deficits - a sensory diverse space.
waiting room
© Aleksandra Matusiak-Kaseja
It was important that the learning and play solutions used could also serve as therapeutic tools for professionals and caregivers. They would allow children's senses to be educated and enable them to work on difficult emotions. The main inspiration was nature, the synthesis of which was introduced into the design. In doing so, its key elements were retained - organic shapes, muted colors, natural lighting, living vegetation, a variety of textures and materials.
Art therapy room
© Aleksandra Matusiak-Kaseja
Perforation has become the main tool in the interior. It appears as an openwork cover for speakers, radiators and scent and air diffusers. Utility walls are based on it, and it makes it possible to create play modules for children. So it works well for stimulating almost all the senses in toddlers. It also has acoustic properties - it partially absorbs and diffuses sound.
las room
© Aleksandra Matusiak-Kaseja
The project has been divided into several zones: therapeutic, development, entrance, common, staff and hygiene zones. The first two are intended for children. They include, among others, a sensory garden and a multipurpose room, and are the heart of the project. It is in them that the most important activities that develop children's motor skills and their imagination and sensory abilities take place. Horticotherapy classes will be held in the aforementioned garden.
The multipurpose room changes its purpose depending on the needs. It combines three functions: visualization (Snoezelen-inspired therapy), bedroom (for the youngest) and movement (rhythmic activities). The therapy section stimulates all the senses through play and takes advantage of the child's natural curiosity to explore. The development zone also includes a play park, a two-part structure (manipulative wall and obstacle course) that stimulates children's skills on many levels.
sensory garden
© Aleksandra Matusiak-Kaseja
Twenty-three games (of varying levels of difficulty, adapted to the age of children) and 12 stages of the track were created for the wall. The development zone also includes the "forest" room, which is the place where children spend the most time. The main idea of the room was to create multifunctional tree-shaped forms. Depending on their size, they are equipped with hooks for hammocks and sensory bags or tops. The largest of the molds have hollows where children can hide and calm down when overstimulated. Also worth mentioning are the science room and art therapy room, which provide an introduction to school activities. Another part is the entrance area, which is another example of a multifunctional room. In addition to its base function as a waiting room with a reception desk, it temporarily becomes a venue for performances or exhibitions. It is here that guests are invited and toddlers can showcase their talents.
multifunctional room - the function of movement
© Aleksandra Matusiak-Kaseja
Particularly noteworthy is the exhibition area, which takes the form of hanging balls. Children look into them to view the works of their peers. This game taps into their curiosity and motivates them to explore. The common area is the part where specialists take care of children, catching any abnormalities to act at an early stage. Examples include the psychologist's office and the speech therapist's office. These places are intended to solve "external" problems, not closely related to the preschool facility, but affecting the quality of life of toddlers.
waiting room - exhibition function
© Aleksandra Matusiak-Kaseja
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Illustrations: © Author
