Curiosity Cove
A sustainable, innovative and educational environment for families to interact and learn together through play.
The Concept
Curiosity Cove is an intergenerational learning space, inspired by the Japanese art form of origami and the way in which children interact enthusiasticly with their toys.
This family orientated space, occupies the former Queen Victoria Works, a derelict jute mill with optimum potential, situated on the corner of Brook Street, close to the city centre of Dundee. The interior spaces are open for families between 7am and 4:30pm when they transform into a hub for soon to be mothers to attend antenatal classes. The outside space remains open between 7am and 8:30pm, allowing a safe space for youths to gather and socialise.
The modified, open plan layout and scale of the interior and exterior of the building creates a versatile learning environment which flows functionally, harmoniously and seemlessly throughout, enabling visitors to enjoy the multitude of amenities.
The user experience is inspired by the developmental stages of childhood and the varying zones incorporate activities and experiences which enable learning, social interaction and quality family bonding to take place. In addition, the carefully structured zones provide visitors with multisensory opportunities which promote healthy connections.
Through the use of sustainable and thoughtfully selected materials which are recycled, recyclable and low in VOC (less pollutive resources), the design creates a vibrant, playful and safe environment, mirroring the main types of play.
Each zone focuses on a different aspect of play: the exploration station and outdoor climbing space promote physical movement experiences, sensory central and outdoor sensory tunnel promote opportunities for emotional development and increased attention span, discovery den promotes the use of fine motor skills, the community library and together space promote literacy and language development, the learning kitchen, fruit and veg patch, outdoor stage and flower garden promote social, cognitive and mathematical skills development.
The Site
My chosen site for Curiosity Cove is Queen Victoria Works, Dundee. Queen Victoria Works was the worlds oldest operating jute mill when it closed in 1990. Initially built as a flax mill in 1828, the building was then further developed and expanded upon in the 1860’s to become a jute mill as the industry progressed. The site is located on the corner of Brook street in the heart of the Blackness conservation zone, and has remained empty since the closure of the jute mill. Since then, the category B listed building has deteriorated remarkably and has been given a high category of risk rating after a significant fire was recorded at the site in 2022, moving the site conditions from very poor to ruinous.
The
Entrance
The bright, well lit and welcoming entrance space features a non intrusive and friendly reception area, creating a positive first impression when entering the centre.
The staff room and meeting room are hidden behind the door of the large curved wall to maintain privacy for staff and individuals seeking advice/support.
The curvature of the wall guides visitors into the main play area.
The reception desk is positioned inside the main door of the centre and slightly to the right to reduce potential worries for families entering the space for the first time.
A pram park in conveniently situated to the left of the main door and provides a safe space for families to leave pushchairs and buggies.
A seating area is placed cleverly beside large information boards which share interesting information with visitors about what is on in the centre and also displays images of families who have previously visited.
Discovery
Den
Discovery Den offers a modern and novel approach to learning. The space offers opporunities to host a variety of activities, including arts and crafts malliable experiences and animal visits.
The combination of natural and synthetic light allows for optimum viewing of resources.
The motion of the swings help keep focus on the activities run in the space.
“Incorporating movement while learning offers numerous benefits including improved focus, engagement + memory, as well as prompting better physical + mental health”
Sensory
Central
Sensory Central offers an engaging atmosphere and encourages families to interact with the space whilst developing strong attachments together.
Sensory Central provides a multisensory experience for all of the family to enjoy. Its novel, intriguing and interactive floor mirrors the tidal waves of the nearby North Sea. When visitors step onto the floor, the water ripples around them and the fish swim away, creating an auditory and visual experience similar to waves crashing and provides an ideal opportunity for family interaction and bonding.
The colours from the large lava lamps at both ends of the space as well as the colourful circular windows soften the atmospheric tone of the area and encourage families to take time to enjoy each others company.
The tuff trays provide families with the opportunity to investigate space and materials.
Circular spaces such as the tunnels and colourful windows encourage further opportunities for family interaction.
Together
Space
A cosy, comfortable and multipurpose space, providing oportunities for groups to take place.
During the day this versatile space can be used to host a variety of groups such as Book Bug, P.E.E.P, baby massage and CHAT sessions (speech and language therapy).
In the evenings, this space can be used to host antenatal classes for soon to be parents.
The Learning Kitchen
The Learning Kitchen provides opportunities for families to learn new skills together using produce grown in the garden. For example, weighing, measuring and practising safe use of utensils etc.
Multilevel workspaces and sinks allow for the whole family to be involved in learning and development, giving children the opportunity to develop inependance and life skills in a safe environment.
A door leads directly from the learning kitchen out to the fruit and veg patch for ease of access in collection of fresh produce.
Community
Library
The community library space provides opportunities for families to read together.
Families can bring and exchange books, or simply enjoy the range of books that Curiosity Cove has to offer which have been donated by local residents or charitable donations.
The curvature of the book shelves invites visitors into the space like arms reaching out for a hug.
A balance of synthetic and natural lighting provides a comforting and relaxing environment for families to share stories, texts and poems.
Comfortable bean bags provide
an alternative option to the contrasting wooden window seat.
