NLI – ADA Title II – Staging Site

Wellesley College Child Study Center

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Wellesley College Child Study Center

WCSC emphasizes the essential connection between human development and experience of the natural world. Responding to this philosophy, the new play and learning gardens contain a mix manufactured elements and natural settings that provide a rich diversity of experiences and curricular connections for children and teachers. Engagement with nature encourages children to know the rhythms of life, understand seasonal change, and experience variable weather (WCSC has a tradition of “outdoors in all weather”). Running water, exploration trails, decks, digging places, planting gardens, and stepping stones involve children in direct relationships with their natural surroundings. A greenhouse helps introduce spring early on for children in a traditional nursery school that is closed during the summer.

The design also recognizes the needs of adults by providing settings for teachers to rest and observe children (keeping out of their way), research observation stations, and parental gathering spaces.

Wooden wagons filled with leaves, promoting outdoor play and nature exploration.
Three children engage in outdoor tea play at a wooden table, surrounded by nature, promoting hands-on learning and sensory exploration.
Green slide in a natural setting with wooden fence and stone wall, promoting outdoor play and nature-based learning.
Stone bench with water fountain, outdoor play area, natural learning environment.
Outdoor play area with wooden bench, fenced grassy space, and small wooden structures, promoting nature-based learning.
Natural wooden play structure with benches and slatted sides, ideal for outdoor learning and exploration.
Natural play structure with wooden slats and steps, promoting outdoor exploration and learning.
Natural play area with stepping stones, flowers, and plants, promoting outdoor learning and exploration.
Natural play area with wooden bridge, slide, and sandbox, promoting outdoor learning and accessibility.
Tree stump with natural texture, ideal for outdoor play and nature-based learning.
Outdoor play area with wooden structure, sandbox, and fenced garden, promoting nature-based learning.
Natural play area with wooden deck, greenery, and fallen leaves, promoting outdoor learning and exploration.
Natural Learning Initiative playground with wooden structures, slides, and climbing equipment, promoting outdoor play and nature-based learning.
Outdoor play area with sand, water pump, and natural elements, promoting sensory and educational exploration.
Grassy area near wooden deck, ideal for outdoor play and nature-based learning.
Natural play area with wooden platform, plants, and playground equipment, promoting outdoor learning and accessibility.
Natural wooden steps with handrails, suitable for outdoor play and nature-based learning.
Natural play area with tree stump seating and wooden beam, promoting outdoor learning and accessibility.
Wellesley Sand Play Deck: Wooden platform with sand area, surrounded by wooden railing, set in a lush, tree-filled outdoor environment.
Wellesley College Child Study Center design plan

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