Brooke Koch

Interior Design, 2024

Sprouts Discovery Center is a youth wellness center for children ages 3-8 in Franklinton, Ohio. Sprouts provides behavioral, cognitive, and general learning support for childhood development. The first eight years of a child’s life build a foundation for future health and life success; consequently, the early experiences, both positive and negative, on a child’s development can be profound (Robinson et al., 2017). Adversity and improper care can disrupt neurological, metabolic, and immunologic systems in children leading to future disparities in learning, earnings, and health. Children most vulnerable to developmental delays are those in lower socioeconomic communities where adequate resources are unavailable. Understanding the context of the fragmented community of Franklinton reveals the need for a stronger foundation system starting in childhood development.

Sprout’s programmed spaces offer a therapeutic clinic including services like speech pathology, occupational therapy, and counseling for behavior management. Additional services include a library, indoor play space, and family activity spaces. These services aim to address the physical, mental, and social needs for the children in the community.

Brooke Koch is a 2024 graduate of The Ohio State University obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design with a research distinction. She is passionate about sustainable and human-centered design to create meaningful spaces for people and the environment. During her time at Ohio State, Brooke has been an IIDA member, has held several interior design internships, and was a student research assistant. She values the importance of data-driven design and co-design to create functional and inspiring interiors.

Link to her profile: https://koch514a78e.myportfolio.com