CHILD CARE CENTER RENOVATION.
bright horizons
Ashley McGraw Architects relocated an existing childcare center into a newly reimagined space at Bright Horizons at Landmark Center in Boston, just blocks from Fenway Stadium. The move to a lower-level location provided an opportunity to significantly improve the quality of the environment, offering increased usable space, enhanced amenities, and more efficient circulation and egress for children, families, and staff. The new location also improves accessibility for working families within this dense urban business district.
The design transforms the space into a vibrant, engaging early learning environment that prioritizes visibility, connection, and child-centered experiences. A key feature of the project is the indoor playground, which is positioned along the building façade to visually engage with Brookline Avenue. A linear wood ceiling paired with halo lighting creates a warm, inviting presence that can be seen from the street, helping to activate the façade within a largely commercial context. To balance openness with privacy, playful opacified glazing patterns were applied to the exterior glazing, allowing natural light to filter in while maintaining a secure environment for children.
Working within the constraints of an existing building required thoughtful coordination and flexibility. Structural requirements introduced additional columns, which were carefully integrated into the layout to support the program while maintaining a clear and cohesive spatial experience.
The project strengthens the surrounding community by providing accessible, high-quality childcare in a highly active urban setting. By embedding the center within a larger network of workplaces and amenities, the design supports working families while creating a safe, engaging environment for children. Ultimately, the project represents a successful relocation that transforms an existing space into one that better meets the needs of Bright Horizons, its educators, and the families it serves.
