Jury comments: SolBe Learning wants to disrupt what they consider to be inflexible childcare and early education models for a new generation of urban professional parents. The concept for SolBe is data driven – looking analytically at demographics, local development, urban amenities and residential density. When the metrics align, the design team is able to locate learning centers on sites well suited for this type of development.
Parallel to the data driven effort, the Supernormal team developed a series of prototypes focused on specific childcare learning goals that relate to child age groups whether infant, toddler or preschool. These prototypes are then developed into a series of pre-fabricated elements that are assembled on site to house the daycare – child-learning facility. Facilities are located in urban areas that can take advantage of parent access, co-working programs and partnerships with senior living centers. The pre-fabricated design becomes the physical brand for the project and the spaces with in. The projects when realized balance brand consistency, construction efficiency and local site sensitivity.
The jury enjoyed the village like quality of the learning centers and liked the notion of pre-fabrication, repeatability and adaptability. The prototypes presented provide a safe space in which children can interact. The project is compelling from a developmental psychology perspective.
