Interior Architecture (Level 8)

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Ariana Gubencu

Early Learning Centre  

Clontarf GAA Club, Seafield Rd W, Clontarf East, Dublin 3, D03 Y6V3 

The main goal was to transform an existing building-the former Clontarf GAA Club-into a multi-sensory early learning centre for children aged 5-12 years. As the designer, I approached this intervention through adaptive reuse, preserving the building’s community value while reshaping it into an inclusive, supportive environment for neurodivergent and neurotypical learners. Each space is carefully considered to balance sensory comfort, flexibility, and stimulation, enabling children to learn, regulate, and explore with confidence. Sensory-friendly classrooms, therapeutic rooms, community areas, and an inclusive outdoor play space work together to support cognitive, emotional, and social development. Guided by Universal Design principles, sustainable strategies, and accessible technology, the project aims to create a setting that promotes wellbeing and meaningful engagement. This transformation reimagines a familiar community asset as a safe, uplifting, and empowering place where every child can thrive. 

A vibrant café within the early learning centre featuring soft pastel interiors, terrazzo flooring, curved timber booth seating, playful graphics, and family-friendly dining spaces designed to create a warm and welcoming environment for children and parents.
A concept, mood, and branding board for the Village of Many Minds Early Learning Center illustrating the brand story through connected pathways, children silhouettes, nature-inspired imagery, logo development, playful handprint graphics, soft pastel materials, organic furniture forms, and branded merchandise that reflect individuality, exploration, and community.
A typology board showcasing interior design inspirations for the early learning centre, featuring soft curved forms, sensory play spaces, calming lounge areas, playful learning environments, and a material palette of terrazzo, soft greens, warm neutrals, and blue accents that create a nurturing and engaging atmosphere for children.
A proposed ground floor architectural plan for the Village of Many Minds Early Learning Center, illustrating the spatial layout of key areas including the café, reception, classroom, active sensory room, sensory room, meeting pod, kitchen, first aid room, toilets, circulation spaces, and external landscape elements.
A proposed first floor architectural plan for the Village of Many Minds Early Learning Center showing the layout of key spaces including the entertainment room, dining area, mental health room, meeting room, staff office, classrooms, quiet nooks, circulation areas, and the glass garden.
A welcoming reception area within the early learning center featuring playful pastel tones, curved ceiling details, terrazzo flooring, branded signage, arched forms, and comfortable seating areas designed to create an engaging and child-friendly arrival experience for families.
A playful sensory room on the ground floor featuring a sculptural spiral staircase, soft blue tones, terrazzo flooring, curved timber detailing, integrated seating nooks, and interactive play elements designed to encourage exploration, movement, and sensory development for children.
An active sensory room on the ground floor featuring a multi-level timber play structure, soft seating steps, playful cut-out details, calming pastel tones, and large windows that create an interactive environment for movement, social play, and sensory engagement.
A welcoming café within the early learning center featuring a pink textured service counter, playful breakfast-themed wall graphics, terrazzo flooring, and colorful seating that creates a warm and family-friendly social space for children, parents, and staff.

Interior Architecture