Sturt Street Children's Centre
The Sturt Street Children’s Centre design response explores the importance of natural systems in a built, predominately hard landscape, and the contrast between each typology. Sturt Street Children’s Centre is located to the western edge of the Adelaide CBD, along Sturt Street, situated within the Sturt Street Primary School. The design for the outdoor learning area needed to provide inclusion for older children beyond preschool age, i.e. 5-7 years.
A connection to nature in a heavily built up environment provides the basis of the design response. Building on cues taken from nature, the Sturt Street Children’s Centre design response explores the importance of natural systems in a built, predominately hard landscape, and the contrast between each typology.
Elements such as a dry creek bed that will change and express each season, as well as the winding boardwalk and natural timber materials express organic shapes, textures and experiences found in nature. Open ended play has been incorporated through a stage and gravel pit, as well as mud play and amphitheatre. These spaces are flexible and inclusive of multiple age groups, encouraging exploration and engagement with nature within the cityscape.