ODC PRESCHOOL NORTH

Holland, michigan

BLD collaborated with a team of architects and engineers on the concept design and site master planning of Outdoor Discovery Center’s Preschool North in Holland, Michigan. The goal was to work with the client to establish a vision and create a framework that reflects ODC Network’s mission and commitments to create educational spaces with a strong focus on connecting to and learning from nature. The vision for the site called for establishing unique and diverse landscape experiences that accommodates a range of activities and programs intended for education of children through nature.

The master plan looked into circulation, access, drainage, recreational paths, parking, bike paths, and ecological productivity and environmental preservation. The design team also assessed and reviewed infrastructural concerns and requirements of the site and proposed use as well as large-scale conceptual level maintenance and operations of the whole compound. The design team studied and evaluated the existing conditions and the potential to create or enhance ecologies throughout the site and develop outdoor spaces that accommodate and optimize productive educational interactions with nature and the landscape.

The landscape features and ecologies were created or improved to reflect ODC’s commitment to promoting conservation and restoration of the land and wildlife while addressing infrastructural requirements and programmatic needs. The seamless and dynamic transition and connection between outdoor and indoor “classrooms” required BLD to collaborate closely with the architectural team to envision and develop cohesive schemes for the entire site. Festivals can take advantage of the integrated seating of the tulip tree amphitheater and the large, flat open space of the central lawn.

Based on the existing land conditions and the ecological potential of the site, a range of outdoor spaces / experiences were created that encourage curiosity and exploration, accommodate learning opportunities through exposing kids to various ecology types and influence future generations to make environmentally responsible choices.