Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Child Care Center
Location: Washington, D.C.
Project type: Child Care
Client: GSA
Program:
- infant, toddler and preschooler classrooms
- multipurpose room
- infant outdoor play area
- satellite outdoor play area for older children
- administration areas
- kitchen
The FCC Child Care Center project involved a feasibility study for a new child care center to be located inside the new Portals III building in Washington, D.C. The total area of this nurturing center is 13,800 square feet.
The angled configuration of the site and existing building presented challenges. In order to take full advantage of limited natural light, classrooms are located on the perimeter walls. To overcome the monotony of a long corridor and provide interest, the corridor walls are angled to resemble open books. Ceiling banners above the doors and semi-circular floor patterns mimic the pages of a book and bring excitement to an otherwise ordinary corridor.
The chosen concept presents a highly functional child care center that complies with all life safety requirements and also considers energy efficiency and sustainable design. The "open book" concept utilizes age appropriate design to create an environment that is complementary to the social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth of children.