HEAD START CENTER DESIGN GUIDE

This chapter provides concepts and criteria for site design and the design of play yards. It identifies the types of outdoor areas required, discusses the relationships of these areas to other outdoor and indoor spaces, and provides detailed criteria for materials, features, furnishings, and equipment required in these spaces.

6.1 Concepts for Site Design

Best practice indicates that the conceptual site design for a Head Start center should be integrated with the design of the site or main building in which it will be located, including vehicular and pedestrian movement, parking, entry, service points, and constructed or landscape features.

The site should be designed according to general site design principles, including orientation, grading and landscape form, aesthetics, construction, plant material selection, lighting, signage, and amenities. Before the site is selected, the soil should be tested for the presence of dangerous contaminants such as lead and PCBs. The site should then be monitored periodically, under the direction of the environmental safety staff, to ensure that it does not become subsequently contaminated, especially by lead. This is particularly important in urban areas or where there is a heavy concentration of automobiles or industrial facilities. Also, proposed playground locations adjacent to old structures, which may be painted with lead paint or contain other hazards, should be investigated.

Five conceptual aspects of site design relating to centers include: a) entry and circulation; b) parking; c) service; d) safety and security; and e) play yards.

6.1.1 Context

It is important to consider the context in which the center and its associated playground are located. The designer should realize that the building is rarely an object alone. Rather, the primary objective of the site and exterior design should be to enhance the existing context. The design team should address this aspect of the design at the concept level.