A Rich Learning Environment
We were delighted to design the vibrant three-story Stata Childcare Center amidst the busy nodes of research and learning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The center is in Dreyfoos Tower, part of the 713,000 square foot Stata Center complex designed by Gehry Partners, which houses significant academic departments, including MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Departments of Linguistics and Philosophy. The Center itself proclaims that the mix of classrooms, offices, student gathering spaces, and play spaces for small children creates a uniquely energetic environment that inspires every member of the Stata community.
Location
Cambridge, MA
Client
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Size / Area
8,500 SF
Students
74
Grades
Infants, Toddlers, Preschool
Joyful Spaces for Kids
A curved slatted wood ceiling above and a colorful steppingstone floor pattern welcome families into the reception area, where children find art and treasures on child-height shelves to encourage exploration and discovery. Children “follow the path” created by the curved slatted wood ceiling and floor patterns to the entrance of each classroom, thus easing their transitions from home to classroom.
“[T]he environment is so rich. It’s an educator’s dream.”
– Gina Tztzik, Former Director, MIT’s Technology Children’s Center at Stata
Bringing in Natural Light
Eight daylight-filled children’s rooms are joined in groups of two, serving infants, toddlers, and preschool children. The rooms overlook a courtyard play area to the south and the interior “Student Street” of the Stata Center to the north, where they can observe college students walking between lecture halls, labs, offices, and cafes. Perhaps, one day, they themselves will walk these paths.
Inspiring Creativity and Fun
A common kitchen and discovery center join each classroom pair to encourage social interaction between children and support among teachers. Children’s rooms are designed as landscapes of built-in furnishings that encourage creativity and exploration. Each pair also shares a lavatory displaying children’s hand-painted tiles.
A multi-purpose space on the second floor serves as the “village common,” gathering children of different ages for dramatic play, performances, and gross motor activities. The design reflects MIT’s focus on nature and technology through warm woods and colors, contrasting with industrial materials.
