b"far left: Katrina's early learning centre design focuses on integrating natural elements with the built environment to offer an enriching and immersive experience for children. The design aims to capture and highlight the natural beauty of the green spaces around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie's shoreline and the subtle transformations they undergo throughout the seasons. Vibrant and earthy Resene paint colours set a playful tone among the designs many natural elements to influence the personality development and physical growth of the buildings young users. The project features Resene Comfort Zone, Resene Kingfisher Blue, Resene Spring Resene Fever, Resene Celestial Blue, Resene Celestial Blue Tapestry, Resene Quarter Coriander, Resene Lisbon Brown and Resene Forest Green unified with the ceiling and outer perimeter walls in Resene Ciderhouse.left: Katrina chose different Resene paint colours to delineate the purpose of each Resene ring-like room. A playful vibrant pink, Comfort Zone Resene Tapestry, was chosen for the atelier to stimulate creativity, promote self-expression and foster a sense of joy and from little acorns Resene imaginationmaking it an ideal backdrop Kingfisher Blue for artistic exploration. To colour the quiet room, Resene Forest Green was selected for its calming undertone and depth, signalling a serene and soothing space Colour and nature support the development of young mindswhere children can retreat for a peaceful moment away from busier activities. The in Katrina Jones conceptual early learning centre design. ceiling and outer perimeter walls are in S pace, budget and time constraints are realities we wrestle with in mostIn one such project, students are invited to select an area of interiorResene Ciderhouse.real-worldprojects,butwhenyouresupportingthedevelopmentdesign that would showcase their unique style and are tasked with choosingReseneof the next generation of designers, there is a solid case to be madetheir own client and site before determining the project requirements andQuarter Corianderfor providing opportunities for students to explore their personal styles,developing a succinct brief. Since she also holds an education degree, KatrinaReseneexperiment with new concepts and refine technical skills beyond typicalJones was drawn to design a concept focused on early childhood learning andSpring FeverReseneclient limitations. Including projects in the curriculum that allow freedomchose to situate it within a nearby setting that she had developed an intimateSpring Rainand encourage risk-taking is important to help students develop uniqueconnection with during regular walks. Resenedesign voices and confidence in their abilities. In addition to more structuredExploring Tree, a local early childhood education provider, stood outCiderhouseprojects with instructor-led briefs that mimic the demands of real clients,as an ideal client for me because of their strong focus on outdoor playReseneinterior design students at Sydney Design School are encouraged to nurturespaces and their philosophy that children learn best through experiencesTapestrytheir passion and problem-solving skills with self-guided projects that fosterand connections with people and the environment, Katrina explains. TheirReseneLisbon Browncreativity, critical thinking and innovation while broadening their portfoliosdesignsemphasiseincorporatingasmanynaturalelementsaspossible,Reseneand showcasing their versatility and originality to future employers.with each play space tailored to reflect the unique character of its locationForest Green68 blackwhitemag.com"