Chidren’s Learning Center
Client
Unicef a global organization that works to protect children’s rights, well-being, and safety everywhere. They work in more than 190 nations and territories, offering children in conflict, poverty, and crises life-saving healthcare, education, clean water, and emergency support. Their mission is based on the belief that every child, regardless of their backgroundy live, should have the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.
Building
6131 Southwest Blvd, Suite 100, Benbrook, TX 76132
Pros
Parking lot on site
JK-12 private school across the street
Affordable city
Family friendly, “small-town”
Renderings
Classroom
The classroom balances focus and creativity by combining structured learning areas with flexible seating. Bright colors and patterned walls introduce visual stimulation while the layout supports collaboration and independent study. Soft seating areas allow students to transition between active learning and moments of quiet concentration.
Hallway
The hallway uses color and form to help guide students through the learning center in an intuitive way. Bold shapes and numbered doorways provide clear wayfinding while creating a playful and engaging environment. This design helps students feel confident navigating the space while reinforcing a sense of identity for each learning room.
Carmen Alverez- Mateo’s Mother
Age: 36 years old
Education: Partial high school
Language: Spanish (1st)
English (limited)
Empowerment
Children need to believe in themselves and know that they can succeed in their education. They should enjoy the prosses of learning, celebrate small accomplishments, and be proud of their hard work.
Site
Benbrook, Texas, is a growing suburban community about 11 miles from Fort Worth, known for its excellent schools, family-friendly atmosphere, and accessibility to nature. Benbrook continues to grow with new homes, neighborhood businesses, and educational investments from the Fort Worth Independent School District, all while retaining its small-town charm. Benbrook is a place where families, education, and community come together because of its combination of quiet neighborhoods, outdoor recreation, and accessibility to the greater DFW metro area.
Cons
On what looks to be a busy street
Limited public transit
Safety concerns
Users
Mateo Alverez- Student
Age: 7 years old
Grade: 2nd grade
Language: Spanish (1st)
English (still learning)
Showing signs of dyslexia
Luis Alverez- Mateo’s Father
Age: 40 years old
Education: High school completed
Language: Spanish (1st)
English (limited)
Values
Self-Belonging
Feeling safe, supported, and comfortable are things children need to learn and grow. They need a space to be valuable and make mistakes, comfortable in their own skin, supported through the prosses, and provide them with a sense of home and belonging.
Concept
The Living Lantern
Learning is viewed as a communal effort of illumination. Light becomes an international language in this bilingual learning center, signifying warmth, direction, and a sense of community. The contributions of children, parents, and educators light up every area, illustrating a community that grows and shines together. The structure itself turns into a lantern in the surrounding area, soft, bright, and full of human connection.
Parent Involvement Room
The parent involvement room is designed as a collaborative space where children and their parents can work together during tutoring sessions. Flexible tables and comfortable seating support shared learning, allowing parents to observe strategies and actively participate in their child’s academic development. By learning alongside their children in this space, parents can take these techniques home and continue supporting learning beyond the center.
Isabella Reyes- Student
Age: 6 years old
Grade: 1st grade
Language: Spanish (1st)
English (still learning)
Showing signs of dysgraphia
Sofia Reyes- Isabella’s Mother
Age: 34 years old
Education: Middle school
Language: Spanish (1st)
English (limited)
Ana Martinez- Tutor
Age: 28 years old
Education: Bachelor’s in Education, pursuing Master’s in Special Education
Language: Fully bilingual (Spanish and English)
Accessibility
Every child has a right to an education no matter their cultural background, education struggles, or their financial situation.
Lobby
The lobby serves as the welcoming entry point to the learning center, creating a warm and inviting first impression for both children and parents. Curved forms, warm wood tones, and natural greenery help establish a calming environment that reflects the center’s focus on community and belonging. The open seating area encourages families to gather, wait comfortably, and begin their learning experience in a space that feels supportive and welcoming.
Lounge
The lounge acts as a restorative space within the learning center where students can pause and refocus. The central tree-like structure and hanging greenery introduce natural elements that support attention restoration and create a sense of calm. Built-in seating encourages quiet reading, reflection, and independent learning.
Activity Room
The activity room is designed to support exploration and hands-on learning through color, movement, and play. Interactive games and floors encourage sensory engagement while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for young children. This space allows children to engage both their minds and bodies, encouraging movement, problem-solving, and active learning at the same time.
