Orchid Palomar College Child Development Center is a 16,000 sqft, single-story facility which services child care needs to children of Palomar College district students, faculty, staff, and families within the community as well as the College’s Early Childhood Development Associate’s degree curriculum. The program was founded on the principles that encourage “hands-on” learning to maintain a connection to the natural world. The outdoor connection is intended to preserve the relationship between children and nature, as that connection correlates with the health and well-being of children.
Children can enjoy viewing nooks, vision windows and lookout areas provided at the age group’s heights for scale and play. Inspired by playground seesaws, the roof design encourages maximum natural light and ventilation within classrooms, incorporating the hillside and surroundings into the learning environment. Building exteriors channel Lego building blocks. The program’s indoor/outdoor teaching activities are enhanced through this feature, all while conserving natural resources.