ST. VINCENT"S PRESCHOOL

Oakland, California 2024

1750 sq ft

The inspiring Victorian building of the nonprofit childcare and preschool SVDH (Saint Vincent's Day Home) was built in 1863 and has hosted children for over 100 years. Renovation of the two classrooms for toddlers is the first stage of the building's modernization. Worldwide scientific studies of the correlation between the learning environment and the learning experience were the foundation of our design. A light, airy, clean space with soft natural colors provides a perfect backdrop for preschoolers to play, learn, communicate and relax. Multifunctional tables, various storage types, easy-change art frames, and other smart details support all the necessities while leaving the rooms uncluttered, which has proven to facilitate early childhood development. This also is supported by quality lighting with dedicated zoning, helping toddlers to manage their attention. The small, quiet, cozy nooks in the shapes of houses give toddlers a place to rest with the additional tactile experience such as artificial grass, acoustical felt and different pillows. We paid close attention to sustainability, especially in selected materials, for example, prioritizing natural wood, Green Guard Gold certified laminates, low VOC paints, recycled plastics, etc. Located in the center of one of the most challenging areas of Oakland, SVDH strives to provide equal opportunities to disadvantaged children, and we are happy to be part of this work.