Child Development Wellington

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Capital & Coast District Health Board asked for a space planning study and developed design for a new Child Development Centre within a disused building on an existing hospital campus. The aim was to understand how the building could be adapted to support a wide range of child health services in a welcoming and functional way.

For patients and families, the design included consultation rooms for paediatricians and outpatient clinics, as well as gymnasium spaces and flexible therapy rooms that could be used for different types of treatment. Low-stimulus rooms were also included, providing quiet, calming spaces for children who need a more controlled and gentle environment.

For staff, the brief called for shared office work areas and staff amenities that support teamwork and day-to-day efficiency. The layout was carefully planned to allow good circulation throughout the building and clear oversight of patient areas, helping staff move easily between spaces while maintaining safety and visibility.

The interior needed to feel warm, welcoming, and child-friendly. This was achieved through the use of colour, playful details, and engaging décor. A strong design concept, described as “a walk in the park,” was developed to guide the look and feel of the space. References to the outdoors, including ideas drawn from therapeutic and healing gardens, were brought into the interior to create a positive, calming environment that supports wellbeing for children, families, and staff alike.