The Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies is a 23,000-sq. ft., two-storey centre of higher learning that includes studio and lab space, classrooms and faculty offices.
The building is perfectly situated between the main North Vancouver Campus to the south and a forested area to the north.
The few trees that were felled during its construction have been repurposed as outdoor play structures for the Children's Centre.
Building the centre
Unlike most childcare centres, the building exterior is a darkly tinted cedar - rather than the standard pastel shades or bright primary colours - an homage to the charcoal used by the faculty, educators, students and children in studio learning activities.
Constructed from mass timber, steep overhangs on the south side of the building help shade office windows on the upper floor, while wider canopies on the north side help shield outdoor play areas from rain.
What's inside
On the ground floor, the Children's Centre has four classrooms, enough space to accommodate 74 children. The classrooms all feature floor-to-ceiling windows and face the forest, creating a seamless balance between indoor and outdoor learning.
A main feature of the building is called the Strada, a multi-level exhibit and learning space where faculty, educators, students and children all learn from each other.
This connected space is where children can participate in various structured and free play activities, with walls for art projects and small stages across its expanse. Walls are outfitted with durable wood panelling that also connects the indoor and outdoor play spaces.
Much like the ground floor, the second-floor layout promotes connection and collaboration and includes lab, studio, classroom, and faculty office spaces, all of which are open to the Strada below.
A sustainable place to learn and grow
The physical learning environment plays an important role in supporting student success. By meeting the requirements of LEED certification, the Fulmer Family Centre for Childhood Studies provides both a healthier learning environment and improved environmental sustainability outcomes.
For a full rundown of the Centre's LEED credentials, download the Fulmer Centre Sustainability Case Study (pdf).