CohenLeigh Architects were tasked with the design for the Arena Children’s Center, a modern early learning facility located in Melbourne, Australia.

It can be daunting for children to spend time away from home, particularly for the first time.

To help children feel at ease the design focuses on the concept of ‘home’. A playful, vibrant & memorable series of ‘home’ shapes – a theme that carries right through to the interiors.

Located in the growing suburb of Officer in South East Melbourne, this highly popular early learning centre successfully addresses the demand for modern early learning spaces in the growing community while being a colorful & memorable civic piece of architecture.

The colorful glazed brick façade was inspired by the elementary, familiar forms of houses often drawn by children – also referencing the housing shapes of the growing suburb.

The design of the internal spaces centers around a sensory & physical progression through the early learning centre’s educational progression using color themes, and brickwork interplay as tactile elements helping to guide children.

Facilities include two (2) licensed playrooms, maternal child & health facilities, a kitchen, staff areas & amenities.

Orientation & layouts of the internal playrooms ensures each room has a strong connection with the outdoor areas for flexible indoor/outdoor activities, harnessing natural light, fresh air and relationship with landscape, while a large outdoor play space provides challenging play options that cater to the varying ages of children who’ll be using it.

Architect: CohenLeigh Architects
Photography: Tom Blachford