Perkins&Will designed The Nest for the Hope Street Margolis Family Center to give children a space for play and exploration in Los Angeles, California.

The Perkins&Will team conceived the name “The Nest” as a metaphor for healthy education. “We want to give children room to spread their wings and learn by exploring their imagination in a place of safety,” said Ashley Stoner of Perkins&Will.

The Nest design reflects this approach. Retrofitting St Mark’s Lutheran Church’s original 1971 building and vacant original preschool space, the team exposed the high ceilings and divided the main interior with custom felt curtains that slide aside to create one large classroom and modulate acoustics. Also separating the spaces are colorful custom shelves for reading, stacking blocks, and other stimulating activities.

“Play is built directly into the design,” said Stoner. “The sense of freedom and exploration in a secure environment is essential to quality preschool education. It will follow these toddlers throughout their lives. This is a small project with a large impact.”

Other design highlights of The Nest:

Design: Perkins&Will Photography: Here And Now Agency

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