Barnard Center for the Study of Child Development
The reimagining of Barnard College’s Center for the Study of Child Development (CSCD) co-locates research and collaboration, strengthens the CSCD’s mission to study the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional development of young children, supporting caregivers and the next generation of researchers.
The CSCD’s new, more accessible 5,000 SF home integrates spaces for the Center for Toddler Development (Toddler Center), Cognitive Development Center, and Language Acquisition and Development Research Laboratory to strengthen relationships within the Psychology Department, support research efficiency, and foster connections to the larger academic community.
For 50 years, the Toddler Center has served as a living laboratory for pre-school-aged children and researchers alike. The new CSCD nearly doubles the Toddler Center’s space, equipping researchers with state-of-the-art observation and testing spaces, and integrated A/V capability.
Child-sized doors and low play areas define space vertically as well as horizontally, creating moments of joy for all ages.
A palette of muted colors, warm wood, and varied textures of fabric, felt, and carpet provide a supportive and inviting environment for students, faculty, toddlers, caregivers, visitors, and the larger campus community. All materials were evaluated for their durability, longevity, and health impact on all occupants.