THE GROWING TREE: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER
Salvation Army Industrial Building, Portland OR
THE GROWING TREE is an adaptive reuse project is at the site of the historic Salvation Army Industrial Building in East Portland, OR. This project aims to create an early childhood education center for children from disadvantaged families, inclusive of children from low-income families and children with disabilities.
Little or no access to early childhood education is often associated with higher risks of developmental disadvantages and health issues for the targeted user groups. For children from families with inadequate incomes and resources, often are deprived of food that promotes them to grow healthily. They are often living in more crowded places and have less place to play. They have a higher likelihood of face psychological and physical issues than those from higher-income families. A large amount of them don’t have health care insurance and have little chance of receiving education.
THE GROWING TREE is a play-based education center with three main departments including education, health, and supportive services. The design focuses on creating a holistic and supportive educational environment for children to build strong foundations for their development and prepare core skills for kindergarten, with the use of color, shapes, and materiality throughout the project. This project also provides resources and supports for the individual needs of parents and the community.