A

AIA CES Credits

AV Office

Abstract Publication

Academic Affairs

Academic Calendar, Columbia University

Academic Calendar, GSAPP

Admissions Office

Advanced Standing Waiver Form

Alumni Board

Alumni Office

Architecture Studio Lottery

Assistantships

Avery Library

Avery Review

Avery Shorts

S

STEM Designation

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Scholarships

Skill Trails

Student Affairs

Student Awards

Student Conduct

Student Council (All Programs)

Student Financial Services

Student Health Services at Columbia

Student Organization Handbook

Student Organizations

Student Services Center

Student Services Online (SSOL)

Student Work Online

Studio Culture Policy

Studio Procedures

Summer Workshops

Support GSAPP

Close
This website uses cookies as well as similar tools and technologies to understand visitors' experiences. By continuing to use this website, you consent to Columbia University's usage of cookies and similar technologies, in accordance with the Columbia University Website Cookie Notice Group 6
Arch roberts jacklynch fa19 06 models

Playhouse, a childcare facility

Designing for a child requires a certain innocence, humility, and naïveté that encourages the sensibilities of the unexpected. In this vein, a new childcare facility manifested itself with a design focus on materiality as the backbone of the project, underscored by the foundational question: “how can the ethics of care be achieved holistically in design?” The facility is comprised almost entirely of cork, a miracle construction material with acoustic properties to shield children from the noises of passing overhead subway trains and vibrant Jacksonville, Queens street life. Moreover, the compression qualities of this playful, non-toxic, water-resistant medium greatly influenced a building typology entirely funicular in its structural form. The result is a series of self-sustained compression vaults and undulating cork-paneled surfaces that weave together classrooms and additional childcare programs across interior and exterior spaces to establish areas of both play and protection.