Early Childhood Education Center.
Clemson university
Clemson University, once the only top-twenty public university without a child development center, partnered with Ashley McGraw Architects and South Carolina–based Sherman Construction to design and build a state-of-the-art facility that reflects the university’s commitment to family, research, and innovation.
The resulting 14,645 SF, two-story Child Development Center opened in 2020, providing early care and education for 132 children of faculty, staff, and graduate students. Positioned as a key gateway to the expanding Ravenel Campus, the building’s form and material palette were carefully crafted to align with Clemson’s architectural identity while marking a distinctive new presence on campus.
The design emphasizes daylight, transparency, and connection. Large windows and glazed corridors bring natural light deep into the building and create visual continuity between classrooms and shared spaces. The central circulation spine organizes the plan, connecting classrooms, project areas, and administrative offices with clarity and flow. Flexible learning environments—such as two project rooms, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) spaces, and observation rooms—support a range of pedagogical approaches and interdisciplinary research opportunities.
An exterior ramp, integrated into the architectural composition, connects upper-level classrooms to the outdoor play areas, promoting accessibility and reinforcing the building’s sense of movement and engagement. Interior finishes are bright, warm, and durable, balancing functionality with a sense of welcome appropriate for young learners and families.
Clemson’s Child Development Center not only fulfills a long-standing need for on-campus childcare but also serves as a model for integrating early education within a higher education setting. Through its thoughtful composition, spatial organization, and attention to natural light and material quality, the building stands as an architectural expression of Clemson’s dedication to nurturing learning communities at every age.
*Project completed as studioMLA Architects prior to acquisition by Ashley McGraw Architects
