One of the key challenges in the design of the center was to envisage a flexible environment that would work on multiple levels: for group classes and story time; independent exploration; and as a public space for events and parties. In the end, KOKO created two very different areas that make up the play space: a hands on activities room and an immersive sensory room. The activities room features art work tables, a Lego corner, and a landscape with wooden train tracks. The sensory room was designed with illuminated color mixing tables, a dramatic play stage, reading platforms, and a giant mushroom house.

These new spaces activated a previously overlooked floor at the Scandinavia House and unexpectedly made it into a coveted destination for Manhattan families. The Children’s Center was awarded the Best Play Space Award by both New York Magazine as well as by Time Out New York Kids. One of the unexpected successes of the project was that after the launch, the Scandinavia House enjoyed a substantial increase in membership as parents with no previous connection to the Nordic Center sought to gain priority access to the Children’s Center.