Work
The Center for Early Learning
Client: Columbus State Community College
Location: Columbus, Ohio
  • A 13,700sf renovation of an early learning center for infants through 5-year-olds.
  • Six classrooms, a multi-purpose muscle room and an art space. Each classroom has direct access to an enclosed playscape with various outdoor play areas.
  • The design leverages existing monitor windows to bring natural light deep into the building, while the abstract and colorful geometrical “forest” helps to bring the scale of the space down to the level of children.
Clinical and Academic Observation: Small group rooms connect to each classroom with one-way mirrored glass, providing opportunities for direct observation to adult students in CSCC’s Early Childhood Education program as well as parent observation and small group interaction for speech and OT/PT.
Architecture|

Addressing both a pressing need for high-quality early childhood education within the city of Columbus and the critical demand for experienced, highly trained early childhood educators within the region, this renovation creates the Center for Early Learning at Columbus State Community College. Working closely with the faculty and staff, SHP aligned the program with the existing spaces and resources, creating a “forest within the city” design concept.

"The center will be an affordable resource for students, employees and residents looking for high-quality child care.”
– Rebecca Butler, Executive Vice President, Columbus State Community College
"We cannot wait to start serving children and families and meet their early care and education needs at the Center for Early Learning."
– Brenda Rivers, CEO, The Child Development Council of Franklin County

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