Endless Exploration: Be Unique Learning Center
A learning center for children with learning disabilities
A child with learning disabilities may have difficulty writing, reading, spelling, organizing or recalling information. However, this does not mean that they will not succeed in school or in life. According to the report, among all disabled children in Malaysia, children with learning disabilities account for 71%. Due to the current lack of education methods and facilities for them, these children are one of the most disadvantaged groups in Malaysia.
A good and proper education is very important to everyone as it determines the future of an individual as well as improves the individual's knowledge, skills and develop personality and attitude. All children, including those with learning disabilities, have the right to education. Hence, this project is to design the National Association of Learning Disabilities Malaysia and Hils Learning a learning center for children with learning disabilities located at PT 8, Persiaran Setia Alam, Eco Ardence, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. The learning center will provide an inclusive learning environment and personalized education plan to meet the special needs of each child. In addition, parents will also be encouraged to participate in the child's learning process.
Facade
Instead of using bright colors, the design uses natural elements to reflect its internal atmosphere. The upward movement of the wooden strips is inspired by the idea of "Endless Exploration", which symbolizes continuous breakthroughs and exploration. In addition, the design uses the green wall to improve air quality as well as increase productivity and creativity.
Reception | Counseling Space | Parents Waiting Area
In order to prevent children from resisting going to school, the reception and counseling space is designed to be simple and welcoming, creating a homely feel for children to reduce their anxiety. Different floor materials are used to visually divide the space and help children in space recognition. The corridor next to the counseling space is the parent's waiting area designed to encourage parents to participate in their child's learning process by observing their child's learning situation.
Cafe
Nature-inspired cafe design for kids and parents to strengthen the connection with nature and the outdoor environment, and provide them with a comfortable dining experience.
Hall
The hall is designed for parents to attend talks given by professional educators on how to communicate with their children and best educate them and how to deal with parental stress.
Open Play Space - Ball Pit Pool | Sand Play
An imaginative and well-lit play space to support play-based learning methods and encourage children to socialize and explore around. Both ball pit pool and sand play are good sensory play that helps to strengthen children's muscles and promote fine motor development.
Understairs Crawling Space | Sunken Seating Area
Designed with child-friendly materials, this space allows children to crawl around as crawling helps develop and enhance vestibular or balance system, sensory system, cognition, problem-solving skills, and coordination. Beside the crawling space is a sunken seating area with an interactive wall which acts as a space for group activities or teaching space.
Tree House
Designed as a semi-open space, the treehouse provides a more private space for children who want to take a break and control the stimulation. It also acts as a multipurpose space for various group activities.
Sensory Room
A therapeutic space with various equipment such as bubble tube, wall projector, hanging swing, weighted blanket, cozy floor pillows, junior trampoline, etc., designed for children with special education needs, providing them with a low-stress and fun learning environment to allow them to regain control of their emotions and reactions, and develop sensory awareness.
Group Classroom
The design of the group classroom allows more interaction between children, which helps to develop language and communication skills. Additionally, the layout of the classroom is designed to be flexible and can be changed at any time to adapt to different learning approaches.
Individual Classroom
The individual classroom is designed for children who require personalized attention or children with attention deficits. A rock-climbing wall is introduced into space because rock climbing can enhance children's overall strength and teach them a great hand, foot, and eye coordination, problem-solving, communication, and listening skills.
Role Play Area | Interactive Floor
Role play area provides a corner for children to act out and make sense of real-life situations. Next to the role play area is the interactive floor, a game-based learning method involving technology and specially designed games to provide children with auditory, visual, and kinetic learning.
Stage
Performing art helps children build self-confidence, improve communication skills, concentration, and memory, and promote social-emotional development. The stage is not over-designed to highlight the children's performance.
Lego Therapy Room
The room is specially designed for Lego therapy program. Instead of using vivid colors of Lego that may distract children, the design of the room incorporates circle elements of Lego brick to create a different play atmosphere. The play instruction for Lego therapy are displayed on the wall, allowing children to try to play without teacher guidance, while encouraging communication between children.
