The Primrose School, Philadelphia, PA

Primrose Schools is a national franchise of private accredited early education and care schools. Fitout of this location in Center City Philadelphia challenged us to transform mixed-use space on the first and second floors of an urban office tower into a cohesive, welcoming and safe learning space for young children.

Our design compensates for the lack of outdoor space by taking full advantage of the office tower’s large windows and by providing an indoor playground or “motor room” where the children can run, climb and bike on a safe surface. The second floor is laid out like a rectangular doughnut, with window-filled classrooms ringing the central motor room which, in addition to enhancing the children’s gross motor development, acts as the village square for the school. A private, secured elevator and judicious use of window film enhance privacy and security in this busy urban setting.