Droba

A Flexible Reading Corner for CMEI Maria Viezzer

Droba was conceived as an innovative solution to address space and engagement challenges in Municipal Centers for Early Childhood Education (CMEIs). The project involved the development of a playful and multifunctional "little house" that serves as a reading nook for children aged 6 to 10. It combines book storage, an immersive space, and a chalkboard — all aimed at optimizing space usage in constrained environments.

The Problem

CMEI Maria Viezzer faced a lack of dedicated reading spaces for children, especially in the preschool section, despite it being a school-wide goal for the year. The main issue was the limited physical space and the presence of "underused" and disorganized areas, filled with old toys in an aging building with no connection to nature. There was a clear need to create an inviting reading environment that was also efficient and compact.

The Solution

Droba is a modular three-part structure that directly addresses the space constraints and the need for an immersive reading corner. Its key features include:

Modular and Flexible Design: The “little house” can be arranged in an “L” shape (taking up minimal space in the corner of a room) or closed to form a small “theater” for creative activities.
Smart Storage: Includes a compartment for books, designed with Montessori principles to ensure accessibility and visibility of book covers.
Interactivity: Features a chalkboard for children to tell their own stories through drawings, and a small “window” for observation and interaction.
Comfort and Immersion: Designed to be an inviting space where children can gather on mats and pillows.

The project followed a human-centered design methodology focused on understanding user needs and environmental constraints.

Discovery and Needs Assessment

Conducted visits to the CMEI to observe play areas, understand the school’s annual goals, and identify preschool priorities.
Confirmed space limitations and identified an unused area that could be optimized.
Identified three key functions: reading corner, experimentation zone, and storage.

Ideation and Concept Development

Prioritized the school’s goal of creating a creative, compact, book-safe, and comfortable reading corner.
Applied Montessori concepts for book accessibility.

Prototyping and Iterative Refinement

Initial prototypes were made using cardboard to test dimensions and structure.
Chose pinewood for the final prototype due to its light weight, ease of use, low cost, and simple square-cut design that didn’t require CNC, streamlining production.

Tests and Adjustments:

A hinge was added to allow the structure to be moved for nap time.
Window dimensions were adjusted based on the children's and teacher’s eye level.
Dimensions adapted to accommodate a mat when closed.
Based on teacher suggestions, high shelves with safety bars and a chalkboard wall (made with drawer backing, grooves, and enamel paint) were added.
Construction Challenges: The initial assembly revealed a need for more brackets to stabilize the structure, and manual drilling of dowel holes resulted in imprecision — highlighting the importance of precision in production.

Conclusion and Impact

Droba is a product design solution that demonstrates a deep understanding of user needs (children and educators) and environmental limitations (CMEI Maria Viezzer). By combining book storage, a flexible immersive space, and interactive elements, the project creates an inviting environment for reading and child development, while optimizing a previously underutilized area.
This project exemplifies the application of human-centered design to create practical and impactful solutions in challenging contexts.