WINTONBURY EARLY CHILDHOOD MAGNET SCHOOL

Hartford, CT

This new 48,000 sf early childhood educational facility, based on the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy, provides full day instruction for approximately 325 children aged 3–5 years living in six surrounding towns. Sensitivity to the agricultural history of the parcel and a planned curriculum connection to the near 4-H Farm program drove the design. The design arranges 6-classroom clusters, reminiscent of farm sheds, around a central courtyard in a pinwheel-like form. The 18 classrooms feature a variety of scale and form, shaped by non-parallel walls and both low and high ceiling areas. They are equipped with a speech amplification system, smart board, observation window, radiant floor heating, direct access to the outdoors, bathrooms, and daylight sensors and auto-dimming controls. Custom-designed playscapes provide three different learning areas for dramatic play, physical adventure, and gardening.