Architectural
Image & Character
Building Types Group 2

Child Development Centers are educational facilities and are designed with attention to security and the safety of children. They will create a welcoming, dynamic atmosphere that inspires and effortlessly facilitates learning. Natural lighting, articulation of individual building components, and understandable wayfinding are critical to the overall success of this facility type. Pedestrian movement among other adjacent structures is facilitated through the design of the built environment and its relationship to the site and other exterior features.

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Massing

1. Massing & Articulation

The massing is articulated in response to the building program and be able to accommodate generous daylighting of the interior where appropriate. Alternate, dynamic forms that create strong visual interest but do not compromise other functional requirements are appropriate. A strong, easily identified entrance is appropriate. Building articulation will reinforce the overall design with focused attention on the primary entrance.

Massing

2. Roof Style

Sloped standing-seam metal roofing is preferred for most of the roof area. Use overhangs to protect window openings as much as practical. Create covered gathering areas at the main entrance. More playful, dynamic roof profiles are appropriate. Use multiple roof areas in response to program but avoid conflicting or overly complex roof forms and a cluttered appearance. Curved roofs may be used to highlight architectural features, such as the entrance.

Massing

3. Primary Entrances

Provide a covered entrance to accommodate groups of 20 to 30 people. Open-sided (versus recessed) covered entrances are preferred. Provide large glazed areas to designate the entrance and a moderate level of finishes on the exterior.

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4. Shading Devices

Use aluminum louver and/or shading devices at windows. Shading devices integral with the building façade also is encouraged. Provide shading devices and canopies at covered entrances for strong architectural presence.

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5. Secondary Entrances

Provide a covered entrance to accommodate groups of three to four people, using building mass differentiation and glazing to identify. Provide coverage to protect openings for utility entrances.

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6. Fenestration

Use vertically proportioned punched window openings with aluminum windows. Storefront and/or curtain wall can be used to designate entrances, gathering areas, or vertical circulation. Use of linear or other shapes as design elements is appropriate but must still blend with the overall prescribed character.

Elevations: Child Development Center

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1. Environmentally sensitive envelopes, responsive to sun, wind, and water

2. Asymmetric compositions

3. Expressive roof form, responding appropriately to building group

4. Variation of building mass

5. Architectural shading devices to control solar heat gain especially over fenestration; shading integrated with architecture

6. Well-defined entrance, pedestrian-scaled

7. Functional large overhangs focused and integrated into strong entries