CLIENT: Child Educational Center
LOCATION: Pasadena, CA
AGE GROUP: 2-5 years
DATE COMPLETED: 2024
Nestled on the northern edge of the Caltech campus, the Child Educational Center (CEC) preschool is housed on the property of two charming historic bungalow homes that share a spacious and mature backyard. This distinctive site already offered a strong foundation for play and discovery, but CEC sought a cohesive masterplan that brought it all together and elevated the engagement for the children and educators.
In early 2023, our design team partnered closely with CEC’s progressive team of educators to reimagine the outdoor environment. The resulting masterplan emphasized open-ended exploration, sensory-rich play, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Key features of the new design include a wheeled toy path, an open-ended climber, an inviting performance stage with musical instruments, expanded open areas, a variety of gathering spaces, enriched planting, and thoughtfully curated sensory play zones. Completed in 2024, the transformed space has deepened engagement for children, families, and educators, and continues to reflect the CEC’s commitment to play-based, nature-rich learning.
