Curiosity Cove
A sustainable, innovative and educational environment for families to interact and learn together through play. As seen on dezeen!
A message from ECOcero:
"Thank you so much for your message and for sharing the inspiring design of Curiosity Cove with us. We truly appreciate that you considered ECOcero materials for such a meaningful and carefully thought-out project.
Your vision for an intergenerational learning space that fosters creativity, connection, and development through play is both beautiful and impactful.
The thoughtful integration of sustainable elements, the flow between indoor and outdoor areas, and the attention to the sensory and developmental needs of users are truly commendable.
We are honoured that ECOcero could be part of this design, and we’re delighted to see how our materials contribute to creating such a vibrant and enriching environment."
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- Iciar Hidalgo
Global Accounts & Middle East Sales Manager
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.
Exploration Station
A space encouraging the use of imaginative play through random objects, hidden spaces, balancing and climbing opportunities which promote physical, social and emotional skill development.
Families can make use of the space to balance, climb and take part in imaginative play which helps to strengthen attachments between children, parents and carers.
Smaller, structured spaces help to encourage longer periods of concentration, attention and listening skills.
The
Cafe
Produce from the fruit and veg patch along with fare prepared in the learning kitchen help keep the running cost of the cafe to a minimum.
Visitors can enjoy a range of soups, sandwiches etc. at lower prices with children receiving a free nutritional lunchbox covered by charitable funding.
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The well lit cafe provides Stokke Tripp Trapp seating which is adaptable for all age groups.
Soft furnishings are minimal to allow for easy cleaning and hygienic purposes.
Sustainable materials are used throughout the cafe which are durable, practical and easily maintained. For example, le pavé’s recycled material made from recycled refrigerator doors and trays provide useful table and counter tops.
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Intumescent varnished oak beams are used throughout the design of the cafe to add a layer of privacy, interest and safety to the space by blocking off the top of the stairs and also the entrances to the toilets.
Attended by volunteers, the cafe is open between 7:30am and 7:30pm allowing for children to receive free breakfast, lunch and dinner if required.
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The
Slide
The slide offers a fun transition for anyone who dares, from the cafe back down to the main play space.
The
Garden
The Sensory Garden
Sourced, filtered and recycled from the ‘Scourin Burn’, hidden beneath the site, water provides opportunities for developing both fine and gross motor skills, for example, filling, pouring and splashing.
The outdor tuff tray can be filled with a variety of substrates on a rotational basis to support the interests of the players.
A flower garden surrounds the sensory garden with colour whilst also providing opportunities to learn how to plant, grow and care for flowers, allowing visitors to take ownership, especially if they do not have a garden of their own.
A large metalophone is mounted on the wall to add an auditory dimension to the space and encourage musical development.
The Sand
Pit
Surrounded by colourful and dynamic summer houses which provide shelter from the elements and quieter spaces for family picnics, the sand pit enables a more tactile experience for all ages to enjoy together. The pyramid like structures encourage gross motor development, as they provide opportunities for climbing, jumping and balancing.
As a result of poverty and city living in Dundee, 36.4% of households live in flats which means there is a lack of access to private or safe outdoor space.
Curiosity Cove offers families a communal garden space to play grow and learn together.
The garden comprises of:
- The Seating area
- The Sand Pit
- The Sensory Garden
- The Fruit and Veg Patch
- The Bike Shed
- The Pic-nic huts
The floor of the garden is made up of a variety of colours of wetpour flooring from abacus playgrounds. Each garden zone has a different colour. The wetpour material enhances my sustainable approach to design as it is made from recycled tyres.
The garden can be enjoyed by families of all ages and is open during the day and in the evening to support a work life balance.
The Seating
Area
A partially sheltered, multipurpose outdoor space which allows for performances, ball games, group activities and additional seating/eating space during the day. In the evenings, the seating area can be enjoyed by teenagers as a safe, illuminated meeting place.
The Pic-nic
Huts
Colourful and dynamic summer houses which provide shelter from the elements and quieter spaces for family picnics.
The Bike
Shed
Providing somewhere for families to safely store their bikes will hopefully encourage a healthier, greener and cost effective way of travel to and from the centre.
The Fruit + Veg
Patch
Raised, tiered planters enable all ages to access and cultivate a variety of produce which can be used in the learning kitchen and cafe. For example, berries can be used in the learning kitchen to learn how to make jam, which can either be taken home or incorporated into recipes in the cafe.
Outdoor
Lighting
As the garden is open in the evening, it is important to ensure that the area is well lit. I have chosen to add solar panel LED area lights to outline the different areas within the garden. The lights automatically change colour gradually throughout the evening, adding an additional sensory and vibrant atmospheric layer for families to enjoy.
