Berkeley Preparatory School, Seivold Center for Early Childhood Education

When Behar + Peteranecz Architecture began work on Berkeley Preparatory School’s Seivold Center for Early Childhood Education, it focused on a design that encouraged learning through play and made every detail an opportunity for the educational environment to be the educator.

Throughout the design process, the firm worked closely with Berkeley faculty to imagine a learning space that empowers students to engage with the world around them by bringing the outside world indoors. The centerpiece of the design is a whimsical life-sized tree crafted by Nassal, a company specializing in scenic environments for major theme parks. This tree serves as the building’s main vertical circulation and incorporates the use of real-world objects, spaces, and natural materials.

Surrounding the tree are lifelike animals, a bright stream and a walking bridge. These experiences encourage cognitive skills, emotional maturity, and self-confidence.

The Seivold Center has 12 unique classrooms, all of which feature elements of the same theme, including a cabin-in-the-woods indoor play structure. The facility also boasts multiple large group gathering spaces and two inspiring outdoor play areas.

Additional Information

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