Gan Shalom Pre-School

Discipline : Interior Design

Categories : Other categories in interior design / Unclassified Category in Interior Design : Gold certification

Categories : Special Awards / Interior Design + Colour : Gold certification

Gan Shalom Pre-School reimagines part of an active synagogue as a preschool that supports early learning while strengthening community connection. The design balances educational programming with cultural use, creating a flexible environment that serves families, nurtures creativity, and reinforces the synagogue’s role as a communal hub. 

What sets this project apart is its commitment to immersive learning without relying on conventional preschool tropes. At the client’s request to avoid primary colours and familiar motifs, we developed an origami-inspired concept. Geometric patterns and bold, vibrant colours appear throughout—from hallway graphics to custom millwork—enhancing navigation and reinforcing each classroom’s identity. The origami theme goes beyond aesthetics, aligning with curriculum goals by supporting spatial reasoning, creativity, and fine motor development. 

Each classroom includes custom features tailored to its theme: the Art room has a colour wheel table and paint park; the Discovery room features sensory tables that convert for sand, water, or Lego play; and the STEM room includes domain-specific millwork and a bespoke lite-bright wall. These design choices ensure thematic clarity while supporting daily rotations and varying group sizes. 

Wayfinding was designed with preschoolers in mind. A strategic colour-coding system links exterior doors to interior details like cabinetry and counters, helping children navigate independently. Fold-like graphics at each threshold reinforce the origami motif and serve as visual cues throughout the space. 

At the centre of the layout, a communal quadrangle anchors the preschool. This space facilitates interaction among children, educators, and families, while also supporting larger synagogue events. The open studio adds flexibility, featuring wall-to-wall projection for interactive programming, group learning, and celebrations. 

Technology integration further enhances the learning environment, with each classroom equipped for multimedia instruction. The result is a purpose-built space that adapts to the needs of its youngest users while remaining deeply connected to its cultural context. 

By embedding creativity, clarity, and cultural relevance into every detail, we created an environment where children feel inspired to explore, families feel a sense of belonging, and community life can continue to grow. Gan Shalom Pre-School is a testament to the power of design to support learning, foster connection, and reimagine what is possible within shared spaces.

The project in images