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Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority
The ECA fit-out project is an amalgamation of a hybrid workspace and child-centric educational play area, which means that every space is unique and appropriated to its user. The entrance lobby welcomes guests with a life-size friendly monster ‘Big Blue’ and an array of playful, vibrant and tactile joinery features, which sets the tone for the rest of the space. Flowing walkways connect a variety of bespoke hubs such as workstations, naturally lit meeting rooms, a children’s playroom and purpose-built maternity room.
Every room is completely different in its shape and aesthetic, from floor material to colours, custom-made fixtures and bespoke furniture pieces. Additional elements include the use of soft and tactile textures throughout and bio-folding walls to create flexible meeting spaces for either one large or two small rooms. With the help of a colour psychologist, specific colours were chosen in order to create a welcoming, productive and inclusive space for its users. Orange and blue were chosen to reflect positive energy and a sense of calm and relaxation.
One of the main fit out challenges of this unique workspace was the scale and variety of bespoke joinery required to stay true to the design. Every space is unique and required sourcing different carpet, paint colours, and lots of custom-made joinery, fixtures and furniture.