Early Learning Centre (building)
Encyclopedia
The Early Learning Centre designed by Teeple Architects
in 2003 is an intricate space intended for the children of the University of Toronto
faculty and students to enhance and enjoy their learning experiences. One of the most important aspects of the building is the large open spaces, big windows, and clear connections between rooms that allow for interaction among children with both each other and the exterior environment. The building is made up of multi-levels, leaving some areas to be double-height, creating loft
and pit-like spaces for the children to play in. The different rooms are mainly centered around a ramp, which is used for circulation. There are lightwell
s that run along the double-atrium ramp that help to brighten up the spaces. The whole building was designed around a large walnut
tree, which currently is placed in the back of the building. The exterior of the building is made up of large Gavalume panels, and light green-tinted transparent glass windows. They seem randomly placed, but in fact follow a certain pattern and the positioning of each panel and glass is properly justified The entire building has a planar profile is very linear, and does not consist of any curvy or irregular shapes. The architects were also careful in creating a structure that did not stand out too much from its surrounding buildings. Though the principal materials are different from the residential building on the site, the architects conveyed some of the material elements of the brick
by using it along the main entrance ramp of the centre. In terms of size, the centre though larger than most surrounding buildings, still maintains a modest size and is not overwhelmingly large. Overall, Teeple Architects were quite successful in generating an intricate playful space and rather complex form with the use of simple shapes and ideas.
Teeple Architects
Teeple Architects is an architecture firm based in Toronto, Canada. Headed by Stephen Teeple, its projects have won many awards, including several Governor General's medals.-Projects:*Toronto Public Library – Humber Bay Library renovation, Toronto, 1996...
in 2003 is an intricate space intended for the children of the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
faculty and students to enhance and enjoy their learning experiences. One of the most important aspects of the building is the large open spaces, big windows, and clear connections between rooms that allow for interaction among children with both each other and the exterior environment. The building is made up of multi-levels, leaving some areas to be double-height, creating loft
Loft
A loft can be an upper story or attic in a building, directly under the roof. Alternatively, a loft apartment refers to large adaptable open space, often converted for residential use from some other use, often light industrial...
and pit-like spaces for the children to play in. The different rooms are mainly centered around a ramp, which is used for circulation. There are lightwell
Lightwell
In architecture a lightwell, light well or air shaft is an unroofed external space provided within the volume of a large building to allow light and air to reach what would otherwise be dark or unventilated area...
s that run along the double-atrium ramp that help to brighten up the spaces. The whole building was designed around a large walnut
Walnut
Juglans is a plant genus of the family Juglandaceae, the seeds of which are known as walnuts. They are deciduous trees, 10–40 meters tall , with pinnate leaves 200–900 millimetres long , with 5–25 leaflets; the shoots have chambered pith, a character shared with the wingnuts , but not the hickories...
tree, which currently is placed in the back of the building. The exterior of the building is made up of large Gavalume panels, and light green-tinted transparent glass windows. They seem randomly placed, but in fact follow a certain pattern and the positioning of each panel and glass is properly justified The entire building has a planar profile is very linear, and does not consist of any curvy or irregular shapes. The architects were also careful in creating a structure that did not stand out too much from its surrounding buildings. Though the principal materials are different from the residential building on the site, the architects conveyed some of the material elements of the brick
Brick
A brick is a block of ceramic material used in masonry construction, usually laid using various kinds of mortar. It has been regarded as one of the longest lasting and strongest building materials used throughout history.-History:...
by using it along the main entrance ramp of the centre. In terms of size, the centre though larger than most surrounding buildings, still maintains a modest size and is not overwhelmingly large. Overall, Teeple Architects were quite successful in generating an intricate playful space and rather complex form with the use of simple shapes and ideas.