RDLA was engaged as part of the delivery of the Early Learning Centre at Carlo Acutis Catholic Primary School, working in collaboration with BPSN Architects.
The design focuses on creating a safe, clear and easily supervised outdoor environment tailored to younger children. Spaces are structured to support a range of activities, from active play through to quieter, more focused use, allowing staff to manage and observe children effectively.
A key consideration has been the integration of the Early Learning Centre within the broader campus, ensuring clear connections while maintaining a sense of separation appropriate for younger age groups. Circulation and access points are designed to be intuitive for students, staff and parents, supporting daily arrival, pick-up and movement through the site.
The landscape incorporates a mix of open play areas, defined activity zones and smaller spaces that encourage exploration and informal learning. Nature-based play elements are integrated throughout, including a dry creek bed, rock features, log edging and a sandpit, providing opportunities for tactile play, movement and discovery. These elements are designed to be robust, low-maintenance and suitable for everyday use.
Planting is based on native and locally indigenous species, selected to suit site conditions and provide a resilient and practical outcome that wraps around the main outdoor play space providing opportunities for sensory engagement and early interaction with local flora.
