Reddam House Waterfall Early Learning School has officially launched its Digital Landscapes & Light Atelier, an immersive space inspired by the renowned Reggio Emilia approach from Italy. Curated by atelierista Sarah Browne and championed by Dr Bev Evangelides, Head of Reddam House Waterfall Early Learning School, the atelier brings a decade-long dream to life.
Dr Bev Evangelides first envisioned a light atelier after attending a Reggio Children conference and experiencing the Ray of Light Atelier in Reggio Emilia, Italy. “The natural curiosity of children was the true inspiration,” she explains. “This atelier is a place where light, shadows, and colour become sparks – igniting curiosity, dialogue, and creativity.”
Sarah Browne’s extensive research in Reggio Emilia, including time spent with Reggio Children’s Atelierista Marco Spaggiari, directly informed the design and concept of this atelier. Working alongside architect Morné Schroeder of Fijn Architects and interior designer Joni Bruzzaniti, the team transformed an empty classroom into a multi-sensory space where children can explore light, colour, and digital landscapes.
“This atelier is more than just a space; it is a context for inquiry, creativity, and self-expression,” says Browne. “It allows children to engage with the 100 Languages – a core principle of the Reggio Emilia approach – expressing their understanding through various media.”
The Digital Landscapes & Light Atelier is an extension of the school’s Everywhere Atelier, offering children, teachers, and the community an opportunity to engage in exploration, research, and creativity. It is part of the Reddam House Waterfall Early Learning School’s commitment to nurturing young learners in a vibrant, diverse environment for children aged 1 to 6 years. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, the ELS emphasises exploration, critical thinking, and collaboration. Purpose-built facilities, including interconnected spaces and shared creative ateliers, foster interaction and curiosity. Through this space, Reddam House Waterfall continues its commitment to innovative, child-centred education.
Q&A with Dr Bev Evangelides and Sarah Browne
Sharing their inspiration and vision behind the Digital Landscapes & Light Atelier, Dr Bev Evangelides and Sarah Browne share their insights:
Q: What was the original vision for the atelier?
Dr Bev Evangelides: “I dreamed of a space where children’s curiosity could flourish – a place of light, colour, and shadows that inspire exploration.”
Q: How did your experience in Reggio Emilia shape this atelier?
Sarah Browne: “Seeing the ateliers in Reggio Emilia, especially with Marco Spaggiari’s guidance, showed me how to design a space that invites children to explore light and digital landscapes.”
Q: What makes this space different from traditional classrooms?
Dr Bev Evangelides: “It’s a sensory environment – dark, immersive, and unlike the typical bright classroom. Children engage with light and shadow in ways that spark their imagination.”
Q: How do light and digital landscapes inspire learning here?
Sarah Browne: “Light and digital tools are avenues through which children can express their ideas, create stories, and explore their world in imaginative ways, engaging in the 100 Languages of expression.”
