Harris Family Children's Center, which opened in the fall of 2006, has won a coveted DesignShare award for innovative learning environments. See images of the Harris Family Children's Center, as profiled by DesignShare.

Here are some of the jurors' comments, quoted from the DesignShare website:

1) Beautiful, inviting, captivating! 2) The porch won me over alone. What a delightful space for little ones to feel the fresh air, fall asleep, play, be read to, etc. 3) Talk about a very modern/clean European feel, and yet here it is in an East Coast (US) private school setting. This seems more like a school that could be found in Finland or Denmark. Love all the clean white walls with the modern wooden furniture. Great aesthetic. 4) Truly appreciate the kid-scale entries to the kitchen unit and the primary classroom. Both allow the kiddos to see (adults, too). The Reggio influence/effect is wonderful and worth studying in much more detail! I have a great deal of respect for this project. — Christian Long

A well-designed space, open and full of light, on a beautiful site. In fact, it exudes “HOME” The footprint is very straight forward, but the spaces inside, with some curved walls, some small & intimate rooms, some high and open rooms, are quite brilliant. Great choice of interior finishes. — Judy Marks

I agree there are many lessons to be learned from this project. I can only imagine what it will look like after a couple of years of use. The porch is a wonderful space. I think the most important “transferable” aspect of this project is the focus on the Reggio Emelia philosophy. Public schools could learn much from this, if they are willing to listen. — Tim Dufault

Interested in learning more?

Read the press release...

Learn more about the DesignShare awards...

Read about the Center's opening in fall 2006...

Read about the children's outdoor learning environment at the Center...

Learn how creativity plays a role at the Center...

Find out how composting and worms are keeping the children excited at the Center...

Learn more about the Center's programs...