Ford Architects was selected by the Colorado School of Mines to design a new Early Childhood Education Center that would serve faculty, staff, and campus families in Golden, Colorado. Although the project was ultimately paused at the Design Development stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related funding constraints, the design work reflects a meaningful effort to envision a model early learning facility at one of Colorado’s most innovative institutions.

In collaboration with campus stakeholders and early learning consultants, Ford Architects developed a range of conceptual options to test site responsiveness, operational efficiency, and flexibility in programming. Each design emphasized transparency, healthy materials, and outdoor access—core to the school’s values around wellness, sustainability, and community integration.

At full build-out, the proposed ECE Center would have served children from infant through preschool, with classrooms opening directly onto natural outdoor play spaces. The design featured warm, durable materials, ample daylighting, and layered security to meet both regulatory standards and campus expectations. A prominent entry, shared community space, and staff work zones were envisioned to create a welcoming, professional environment.

Sustainability was a central driver throughout the design process. Goals included net-zero energy performance, LEED Gold certification, and integration of passive solar strategies, high-efficiency systems, and environmentally responsive building materials. These goals aligned with the School of Mines’ broader commitment to climate leadership and responsible development.

While the project did not proceed to construction, the collaborative design process laid the groundwork for future campus investment in early childhood infrastructure. The work completed by Ford Architects remains a valuable case study in sustainable early education design and a testament to the School of Mines’ forward-thinking commitment to its campus community.