Brooklyn Design Awards

Language & Laughter Studio’s new space is inspired by the school’s philosophy of connection to nature: “We strive to draw the children into the natural world and deepen their connection to it.”

The school is organized in three parts relating to natural light and movement:

The ‘Garden’ – comprising reception, circulation and gathering areas – forms a continuous, curving space framed by a painted landscape mural, connecting the front entrance to the exit where the children depart for daily excursions to Fort Greene Park.

The ‘River’- spaces relating to water – runs along the ‘Garden’, strategically positioning the Children’s Restroom as pivotal in a child’s development.

The four classrooms are conceived as ‘Vessels of Light’ shaped by translucent, colorful, curved walls, animated by the storefront’s abundant sunlight. The sky-blue acoustic ceiling provides sound absorption while complementing the earthy warmth of wood and cork below. The existing concrete structure and all services are exposed to maximize ceiling height and give a didactic presence to gravity and service elements of the architecture.

The curving space invites children’s curiosity. The luminous walls’ outward, convex curves encourage movement through the ‘Garden’ while their inward, concave curves embrace the classrooms. The children engage the environment with all their senses.

Photography: Nicholas Calcott