MFS NORTH CENTER

Building on an earlier collaboration with Metropolitan Family Services at the Children’s Center on the south side of Chicago, this north side facility accommodated five classrooms and support spaces within 6,000 square feet of formerly “mothballed” commercial space. A new exterior entrance and wall openings were created with a bright color palette to provide a unique identity to the center and well natural-lit care rooms. The bright color palette is continued throughout the new facility to provide clear visual separation from other building tenants.

Varied ceiling heights and partially exposed roof structure within the care rooms add spatial interest and identify different learning zones. Interior glazing between the care rooms and corridor create visual connections to foster spontaneous interaction between children.