'Little Bloom' is a childcare facility that was designed to support a child's creative development through their time spent at 'daycare'. By facilitating a childcare environment that fosters self-expression and creative development, children - aged 18 months to 5 years, will be encouraged to participate in self-guided exploration. With the integration of intrinsic motivated activities that include arts and crafts along with music and movement, not only will they experience the concept of ‘free-play’, but an overall enrichment to their cognitive and social development is able to occur. The centre additionally features a co-operative workspace for women (mainly entrepreneurs and new mothers), who are looking to ease the transition back to work. Conveniently located above Little Bloom, the space offers a network for women to connect along with support in going back to work.
MAIN LEVEL FLOOR PLAN
The main level of the space in contract is fully dedicated to Little Bloom. The space features an entry/reception area that has a boot/locker room and staff support spaces adjacent to it. To the right of the reception is a quiet library space, with the main play room located behind the support spaces. The play room features a large tower, ball pit, performance stage and magnetic boards to provide children the freedom of choice and flexibility. It also has integrated storage for many other toys/activity props. To the left of this space is the art room, and to the right is access to the classrooms. There are three classrooms total in the centre, with a sensory room and infant play space additionally located in this space. Secondary support spaces such as the staff room and children's cafe is located on the second level.
SECOND LEVEL FLOOR PLAN
As previously mentioned, the second level incorporates support spaces for the childcare facility such as the staff room (in the SW corner) and the children's cafe. It also features the women's co-operative work space and communal kitchen. The communal kitchen is attached to the children's cafe is meant to be a space for the children to learn and enjoy cooking. The space also can be used for parent and children bonding activities as well. The co-operative work space is locate don the north side of the second level and features as reception/waiting space when you enter. Past this space on the right hand side is a small meeting room, and large office for rent. Through the main access/entry point is the lounge space and kitchen on the right hand side, and open workstations on the left. Along the back is additional meeting rooms and offices to be rented out.