Hanna Fenichel Center

Solana Beach, CA

Completed in 2008

Hanna Fenichel Center for Child Development is a play-based preschool designed to meet the needs of the whole child. Children hopscotch into their day on a coloful mosaic walkway highlighting the Center’s mission to Wonder, Learn, Discover, Play and Explore. Outdoor spaces provide stimulating places for play and learning that emphasize the natural environment. Natural elements such as a sand pit with boulders and a trickling water feature, wood sttepping stones, and pebble play areas are surrounded by an edible garden, green play mound, planted walls and shaded trees. Bright and vibrant murals and a custom play house brighten the space and play surfaces mimickingn roads organize the circulation. The plan as developed so that it could be implemented as funding becomes available.

Client: Hanna Fenichel Center for Child Development

Architect: Stephen Dalton Architects

Awards: Honor Award from the 2009 AIA Small Projects in the Best Practices