Op-Ed: Tiny Citizens, Big Design: Crafting Engaging Experiences for Toddlers

Barnard Center for the Studies of Child Development, Toddler Center, New York, NY

The reimagining of Barnard College’s Center for the Study of Child Development provides a living laboratory for the center’s ongoing mission to study the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional development of young children, supporting caregivers and the next generation of researchers.

A toddler-sized door signals to the children that this area is meant for them

Separation can be a challenging part of the day for both toddlers and their caregivers. Having a designated entry and cubby room, however, helps ease this process. A toddler-sized door signals to the children that this area is meant for them.

The simplest elements can influence development greatly. Near the entry, the class pets—a group of fish—are a stable presence to the youngsters day after day, and help draw in the more hesitant children. Like the nearby toddler-sized hand-washing sink that contributes to fine motor skill development, these small moments help the little ones establish a routine, setting them up for a day of creative play. Photo: ARO.

The classroom’s toddler-sized archway is often the first time the children pass through a threshold that has been designed specifically for their height. In this brief moment, the world is brought down to their level, creating a reassuring and rewarding experience, and encouraging further exploration of the classroom. Photo: ARO.

Toddlers start their day with curiosity, albeit sometimes with trepidation. The cozy corner located just inside the classroom provides a moment of calm for both children and caregivers. Photo: ARO.

After they settle into the classroom, the toddlers’ curiosity starts to wander. A set of steps leading up to the windowsill allows them to look out and engage with the world, while also providing a place for introspection and daydreaming. Photo: ARO.

The multilevel fort is situated at the far end of the classroom, away from the entrance, making it a destination that toddlers discover as they venture deeper into the room. The steps leading up to the slide are irregularly spaced, encouraging the children to consider their movements as they ascend and descend. Photo: ARO.

The slide’s width allows two classmates to slide down at once

From the top of the slide, they can survey the entire classroom and contemplate their environment from a different vantage point. The slide’s width allows two classmates to slide down at once, providing an opportunity for negotiation and cooperation. Photo: ARO.

Architecture Research Office (ARO) is a New York City-based ﬁrm founded in 1993 and led by Stephen Cassell, FAIA, Kim Yao, FAIA, and Adam Yarinsky, FAIA. ARO is an ILFI Just organization that works with imaginative leaders and communities to design cultural, educational, commercial, and residential projects revealing the hidden potential within complex architectural and urban constraints.