The Analysis of Kindergarten Architectural Ideas with a Focus on Play Element

Abstract

The early years of childhood are of great importance because children's growth rate is high physically and intellectually. An ambience should be provided that allows children to use the best of their childhood. Playing games has a key role in their growth and can actually be considered as their job. It has a dual function for a child: education and entertainment. Most of the places that are used as kindergartens in Iran were not actually meant to be a child care center and are originally residential places with switched usage. The architectural forms are designed according to psychological needs of children (playing games, interacting with others, language, and intellectual growt, etc.) and includes essential areas of a kindergarten. This fundamental research was performed using documentation and library methods. Since children are mainly interested in playing, the purpose of this research is to find some ideas to create indoor and outdoor spaces in a kindergarten, with a focus on play element to ensure the physical and mental health of children. The researcher first explains some concepts such as the importance of childhood, play, and outdoor open spaces and then concentrates on how children apply all their senses. In the end, she offers some architectural ideas and describes their effects on the child's body and mind, as well as his unconscious learning ability.