Livonia Early Childhood Center

Livonia, Michigan

Firm

TMP Architecture

Client

Livonia Pubic Schools

Area

70,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$24,519,285

Completion Date

08/2024

John D’Angelo Photography

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Design of the Early Childhood Center is based on home life for the district’s youngest learners; it’s intended to make them feel like they are home away from home. Entries have mud rooms for students to leave their belongings and “family rooms” where classes can gather for reading time, reinforcing a nurturing atmosphere to promote sensory comfort.

Sensory experiences drove the design of the center. Thought was given to whole child development; attributes were intentionally chosen and did not come together by coincidence. Family rooms adjacent to classrooms provide space to explore. Mud rooms have centralized storage for student belongings and convenient drop-off and pickup by families. The Mixing Bowl is a child-height experimental science kitchen; A gross motor room is designed for movement and cooperative play.

Braille wallcovering is featured in family rooms; the tactility of the braille letterforms enhances the sensory experience for all students, not only promoting touch, but also assisting in developing empathy and perspective-taking. Thirty embossed words that represent ideals of human spirit are featured in the walls: independence, honesty, kindness and friendship, among others.