Architecture and interior design for a developmentally appropriate early childhood education program

Child Development Research Center at Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University was looking to expand their child development research program. To do so, the Child Development Research Center (CDRC) would be developed by renovating and adding to an existing facility to provide a developmentally appropriate program for the children of faculty, staff, students, and area residents.

Our architecture and interior design teams envisioned the expanded CDRC to transform an unsightly area into an active, vibrant edge of the campus quadrangle. The transformation of the facility was accomplished through careful site design and architectural improvements that reference the original Spanish Renaissance architecture of the campus. We used landscaping to create an arrival zone protected from traffic and connect the new CDRC to an existing playground, providing an animated journey for children. Sustainable design features include increased daylighting and porticos at each classroom to temper direct daylight while providing protected exterior play areas.

In addition to providing educational and developmental programs for approximately 80 families, the facility provides instructional opportunities for students who work with children in laboratory, student teaching, and practicum courses. In addition, the Center provides interdisciplinary research opportunities for faculty and graduate students.