RFI - Attachment 1 - Amended Architectural Plan · MCU22/0094

   Noosa Early Learning Design Principles
Design Intent

The design intent of the Noosa Early Learning Centre reflects the key themes set out in Noosa Council’s
Noosa Design Principles to ensure that the development is reflective of Noosa’s unique character and
environment, and the Noosa Early Learning Centre’s desire to provide children with an interactive learning
environment that enables them to play, explore and learn.


Key Design Principles

The Early Learning Centre has been located to support the surrounding residents and workers in the Noosa
Civic Centre. It is strategically located along the key pedestrian and bike linkage that connects to the
surrounding retail, dining, entertainment, accommodation, business and innovation precincts.


The Noosa Council Transit Hub site is also located 300 metres from the Early Learning Centre and can be
conveniently accessed along the key pedestrian and bike pathway that runs along the western boundary of
the site and provides a dedicated and fully accessible link into the Early Learning Centre.


The outdoor play area provides for scattered vegetation that will act as shading, an outcome that further
enhances the environmental values for the area. The incorporation of vegetation in the play areas provides
the opportunity for educators to allow children to lead their own learning in a natural environment.


Noosa’s cycling and walking vision is to get ‘more people riding a bike and walking for the health, transport,
tourism and the environment’.


As part of the overall precinct subdivision, shared bike and pedestrian links have been integrated, in this
situation the shared link runs adjacent to remnant vegetation corridors and link to the Noosa Civic
Shopping and Transit link, which are less than 300m away to help activate this vision.


The pedestrian and cycle path connects workers and patrons across the mixed use business centre,
helping to activate business entertainment and dining precincts. The arbour acts as a wayfaring device,
creating a strong visual and accessible connection to the front door of the Early Learning Centre, and
identifying the public path to others in the area. Seats have been provided on the journey to encourage
parents to sit and chat, helping to develop a sense of community and belonging.


The Early Learning Centre provides an essential service for the intended increase of people into the area
for business, entertainment, residential and visitors. Allow direct access within the precinct to much
needed childcare facilities. The Early Learning centre connects directly to the pedestrian and cycle network
encouraging people to activate this space instead of relying on vehicles for transport. Allowing families to
live and work within the area and not have to drive to access childcare.


End of Trip facilities have been provided to encourage this cycling and walking vision. The End of Trip
facility will include 10 bike parks, lockers and an accessible bathroom plus a staff only bathroom have been
incorporated into the design.


The entry allows the children to experience nature as they enter the facility, entry is via a path surrounded
by natural endemic species, with a constantly evolving pattern of light and shade created by the built
environment and the surrounding landscape. This creates an ever evolving journey and sense of play at the
entry.