I read with interest the design for the new Google Child Care Center and wanted to comment from my perspective. I appreciate the project manager's approach to this - thinking about the children's perspective along witht blending in with the surrounding habitat. In my experience with design and early learning environments I too like to think about how the space can accomodate the paradoxes of child care. By that I mean, alone space and group space, messy/creative space and organized space, relaxing space and movement space. To see the space as a paradox can bring meaningful learning to the children and their families.

Having said that I also want to comment on the use of color. I know there is research both quantitative and qualitative about the use of color (natural colors and more vibrant) when it comes to influencing behaviors. However, I just returned from Jamaica where the colors of houses, restaurants and schools were as vibrant as the colors of the Carribean Sea and all the surrounding vegetation. It was a wonderful reminder to me that our spaces truly reflect our environments and that a splash of color is good for the soul!

Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Theberge, M.A.
Clark College
Vancouver, Washington