Chrysalis Nursery
The idea of separating the age groups between the younger children, who are still unable to retain much explicit memory, and the older ones who are starting to develop one, while still creating open spaces where different age groups can interact, was the basis of the design intention.
Due to the recurring motifs of change and growth in the concept, an immediate association was made with the metamorphosis that occurs in the cocoon of a butterfly, referred to as Chrysalis. As the old caterpillar is being digested by the new butterfly one can see a striking resemblance in the development of children as they, too, transition into another state, that of consciousness.
As a result, understanding the process that happens inside of the cocoon and organising spaces accordingly was how I proceeded. The process is divided into two parts: disintegration and digestion. as the caterpillar forms itself a cocoon, he disintegrates while the new butterfly is forming by digesting these disintegrated pieces.
Status: Competition Entry
Instructor: Rafael Pizzaro
American University of Sharjah
Fall 2015
