The Collection
The Sense of Place collection builds upon the belief in the importance of young children’s environments. Beautifully designed to inspire children’s wonder and to nurture their growth and development, Sense of Place not only celebrates the spirit of place but rejoices in the magic of childhood.
4 Pillars of Design
Woven throughout this collection are four essential beliefs that serve as a foundation for this inviting collection: a classroom should be nature-aligned, heart-centered, sensory-based, and authentically-inspired.
Nature-aligned
Nature is our greatest teacher. The patterns, colors, and curves of nature are right before our eyes; all you have to do is look closely. When designing the Sense of Place furniture collection, we looked to nature for inspiration. Unlike straight edges which serve as boundaries, the furniture’s design includes many rounded elements such as the gentle curves of the curio cabinet shelves, kitchen island, oven backsplash, oval table, and fireplace mantel which invite children into the classroom space.
Heart-centered
When creating the Sense of Place furniture collection, there was considerable thought given to the importance of fostering children’s social and emotional development.
The home living furniture, such as the fireplace, comfortable couch and chair, and beautiful carpets infused with nature’s colors (i.e., blue and green), help young children feel right-at-home while creating habitats of refuge where children may find a little peace and quiet if needed.
Sensory-based
The Sense of Place collection reflects the belief that children learn through their senses. Incorporated in its design are multiple layers of both visual and kinesthetic textures. For example, children see the world from a different viewpoint and we’ve incorporated mirrors with many pieces of the collection (i.e., baskets, curio cabinet, wall mirrors, armoire). Multi-layer textures in the design, format, and materials used to create the seagrass baskets spark children’s exploration and engagement. Beautifully crafted pieces using hardwood, authentic, natural materials, and woven textiles and rugs invite children to explore both visually and kinesthetically.
Authentically-inspired
The Sense of Place collection reflects the belief that children learn through their senses. Incorporated in its design are multiple layers of both visual and kinesthetic textures. For example, children see the world from a different viewpoint and we’ve incorporated mirrors with many pieces of the collection (i.e., baskets, curio cabinet, wall mirrors, armoire). Multi-layer textures in the design, format, and materials used to create the seagrass baskets spark children’s exploration and engagement. Beautifully crafted pieces using hardwood, authentic, natural materials, and woven textiles and rugs invite children to explore both visually and kinesthetically.
Sandra Duncan, EdD
With over 45 years of experience and a doctorate in education, Dr. Sandra Duncan has a wide and varied background at the national and international level in early child care and education. She has extensive experience in working with young children and parents, teaching at the university level (doctorate students and early childhood students), designing and writing professional development programs for practitioners, creating the Sense of Place line of preschool furniture, and authoring several teacher resource books including her latest effort with Jody Martin and Sally Haughey, Through a Child’s Eyes: How Classroom Design Inspires Learning and Wonder.
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