Mitchell House Early Childhood Development Centre
Contemporary House Exterior
The site is located on the Mitchell House preparatory school campus in Polokwane. The client's brief
called for an early childhood development centre which would accommodate 122 learners and
requested that the building be evident of it's young and playful users.
Curiosity, wonder and intrigue would become defining criteria in an attempt to create a conducive
learning environment for young learners to grow, a building where children would be encouraged to
interact with their environment. The construction methodology of the building would remain apparent,
allowing its users to analyse the assembly of components.
Due to the age group of the users, the building would need to function semi-autonomously from the
rest of the school, while allowing for controlled interaction and inclusivity as is the norm for Mitchell
House. A linear plan which coincides with the developmental progress of the learners was identified
as the appropriate building typology. The spatial constraints of the site required this plan to be
moulded into the available space between the existing infrastructure, however the linear process was
maintained.
From the access-controlled reception and administration area one would move past the creative arts
and exhibition space towards the Northern wing where the youngest learners are taught. These would
share connected ablutions and storerooms between classes to enable fluid movement and
assistance throughout the teaching and service spaces. The East wing of the centre would house the
elder learners who would be in the process of being integrated with the fabric of the main school
campus. These classrooms include storage areas, however, have separate ablution facilities. The two
wings of the building surround a courtyard where play and interaction are in abundance.
Other Photos in Mitchell House Early Childhood Development Centre