Rahpooye Memari-o Shahrsazi

Rahpooye Memari-o Shahrsazi

Investigating the Interior Design of Kindergarten Spaces With Environmental Capabilities in Promoting Creativity

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Pardis Branch, Islamic Azad University, Pardis, Iran.
Abstract
One problem of kindergartens in Iran is the lack of attention to the design of space based on the principles of aesthetics and nurturing creativity, and not giving priority to designing the educational spaces in compliance with design standards, which unfortunately leads to creating environments unsuitable for children's needs. The ongoing study is qualitatively oriented, focusing on outcomes, primary goals, and responses to inquiries. Consequently, analytical, perceptual, and categorized depictions emerged from the gathered data. The data collection approach is descriptive and library-based. This current research is practical in its objectives and qualitative in data nature. Information gathering is library-centric. The research follows a descriptive-analytical methodology.
Children learn through interaction with the physical and social environment. Architecture is a part of the education program, and educational-formal architecture is a building whose order and planning are derived from an educational approach that involves spaces for themselves and in education. Because of its interdisciplinary nature, architecture incorporates topics like cognitive science that can assist us in reaching these objectives. In the educational approach, indoor spaces act as a coach. Order, structure, and transparency are the characteristics of spaces. Surveys show that the presented aesthetic diversity provides the conditions for learning with all senses, and, as a result, every child in educational spaces sees their work as documentation or displayed images. 
The category of environment in general, as well as environmental causes in particular, are among those that are important in terms of their influence and role on the child's behavior and psyche. The environment, as the basis of the child's activity and life, and the impact of the environmental conditions on the child is unavoidable. However, the importance of this matter, which is often forgotten amid modern life, construction, and industrialization, is the neglect of the impact of the environment on children's psyche and habits, which causes anxiety and worry in many cases. Due to its interdisciplinarity, the architecture industry uses categories such as cognitive sciences, social sciences, humanities, and art in its content. Ultimately, not only the final result of design but also the process of design and architecture should be studied and researched. The distance between the hidden space, as the intellectual and ideal environment of the designer, and the current environment, as the space that is built and used, is very different. If the ideal space is transformed into a physical structure, the social, cultural, and psychological well-being of the space's users must be carefully considered. Objectivity and introspection in design, the impact of the physical environment on children's creativity, and leveraging these connections are crucial focal points. Regrettably, the mindset of constructing for the sake of construction without regard for life neglects these vital considerations. Hence, research in this domain is crucial and indispensable.  
To address these inquiries, "How can the architectural environment and the physical body be molded according to the needs and traits that impact the development and creativity of children to maximize their flourishing?" Additionally, "How does architectural space influence the sense of belonging and creative thinking in children?"; Drawing on concepts from figures such as Eric Berne's "Reciprocal Behavior Analysis" and Piaget's "Child Psychology" can be highly beneficial. In the following, we will discuss the questions of this research: "Which factors in the interior design of the kindergarten space can lead to the promotion of imagination, play, and curiosity of the child? "By responding to these questions, the goal is to create environments that foster children's development by leveraging the potential of the surroundings to encourage creativity.
The research has been compiled using an analytical-descriptive method and library techniques, with explanations and organization provided. Case examples have been included to aid in understanding the topic. The researcher's goals have included focusing on works to facilitate comprehension, as well as conducting case studies and analysis.
  
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