THE BABY ATELIER BRINGS HEALING THROUGH DESIGN: A CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER AT A GUJARAT HOSPITAL

Founded in 2016 by Payal Karumbiah, The Baby Atelier (TBA) has been redefining children’s spaces for nearly a decade. Holding a Master’s from Parsons School of Design and a Master of Science in Quantitative Finance, and with a professional background spanning Wall Street investment banking and the global luxury industry, Karumbiah brings a unique perspective to design. Her transition from finance to interiors was fuelled by the belief that children deserve environments that are not only functional but also psychologically supportive, and this vision continues to guide TBA’s work today. The Gujarat Learning Center is a living case study of this ethos in action.

The Baby Atelier, a purpose-led design studio specialising in child-centric interiors, has unveiled a pioneering 3,500-sq-ft Children’s Learning Center within a Gujarat hospital. This milestone project demonstrates how TBA’s psychology-driven approach to design translates seamlessly from homes into healthcare environments, shaping spaces that nurture healing, learning, and emotional wellbeing.

Where Calm Meets Creativity

Designed for young patients in long-term care, the center balances the sterility required of medical environments with the warmth and reassurance of human-centred design. Every element has been considered to support emotional regulation, agency, and comfort: muted palettes, diffused lighting, acoustic control, and tactile finishes work together to calm the senses while enabling exploration.

The result is a space that provides continuity for children whose daily lives are disrupted by illness. Beyond treatment, they are given an environment where learning, play, and social interaction continue to be part of everyday life — ensuring both normalcy and growth.

Inside the Learning Center

• Reading Nook: A quiet, sunlit retreat designed for privacy, focus, and the joy of books.
• Art Studio: Child-height supplies, pegboard walls, and dedicated display zones encourage creativity and self-expression.
• Role Play Zone: Miniature supermarkets, kitchens, and play stands that build confidence through safe, imaginative exploration.
• Study Zone: Collaborative tables, integrated technology, and world maps to support both group learning and structured lessons.
• Inclusive Play Area: Soft seating and activity blocks for gentle physical activity and inclusive interaction.
• Circle Time Space: A welcoming, barrier-free setting for shared stories, music, and group connection.

Design Psychology in Action

This project illustrates The Baby Atelier’s founding principle: children deserve environments that do more than function — they must feel intuitively supportive. By embedding principles of child psychology into every corner, the learning center demonstrates how intentional design can restore agency, confidence, and joy, even within a hospital setting.

From private nurseries to schools, public play areas, and now hospitals, The Baby Atelier continues to expand the definition of child-centred design. The Gujarat Learning Center stands as proof that design can heal, empower, and prepare children for who they are becoming.