Day Care Center competition _ 1st PRIZE
Firm: JDWA 
Role: Co-designer with Marieke van Hertbegen
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

This daycare center for children ages 0–12 places special emphasis on interaction among different age groups. Conceived as a single large “playroom,” the project promotes openness, flexibility, and shared experiences.

The ground floor is organized as an open plan, allowing for maximum adaptability. Spaces are defined by activities rather than by walls, extending the open-door concept into a fully open spatial policy in which all children have access to all areas.

Permanent functions—such as toilets, kitchen, and sleeping rooms—are housed in fixed “boxes” strategically positioned and movable panels allow the space to be subdivided when needed, providing flexibility without compromising openness.

In the 9–12-year-old area, the boxes rise from the ground floor and transform into elevated tree houses individually accessible. These spaces are conceived as smaller play environments that encourage independence and offer increased privacy.

The materiality of the daycare was developed to stimulate children’s creativity. Each area is clad in playful, tactile materials such as Duplo, felt, metal, and charcoal, allowing walls, floors, and ceilings to serve a dual purpose as surfaces for play, exploration, and creative expression.