The Plambeck
Early
Childhood
Education

Client
University of Nebraska Kearney
Location
Kearney, NE
Size
19,900 SF
Completion date
December 2019

The University of Nebraska collaborated with RDG Planning & Design to develop a new early education center nestled within its Kearney campus. This center is a key component of the College of Education's early childhood education program and functions as a laboratory school, providing training and observation areas that not only foster staff development but also offer immersive learning experiences for UNK's aspiring educators. 

With 11 high-quality classrooms accommodating up to 176 children, the center offers care for the children of university students, faculty and the surrounding community. The interior design provides spaces that offer continual supervision while providing flexibility that allows teachers to tailor their spaces to their pedagogical requirements. 

Each classroom includes views of the exterior that provide ample daylight and direct access to thoughtfully designed, age-appropriate playgrounds. The center's generous corridors create space for activity areas that facilitate exploratory learning experiences beyond the confines of traditional classrooms. A multipurpose room offers space for gross motor exploration protected from the elements and doubles as a training space for staff, early education students and neighboring early childcare providers.    

Reflecting UNK's connection to the regional agricultural community, the center's design language, both interior and exterior, integrates vibrant hues, tactile textures and natural patterns. By striking a delicate balance between form and function, the center cultivates an atmosphere of curiosity and joy, serving as a foundation for lifelong learning for both children and adults alike. The center's architecture prioritizes safety, functionality and aesthetics, ensuring that it aligns with the principles of early childhood education.

Awards
2024 Educational Interiors Showcase Outstanding Design
American School & University Magazine
2024