Review of architecture and interior designs in Italian kindergartens and their relationship with motor development

Int J Pediatr Obes. 2011 Oct:6 Suppl 2:16-21. doi: 10.3109/17477166.2011.613657.

Abstract

The construction of a school is the first pedagogical act. Its form, the relationship with nature, light, materials and colours provides important educational inputs for children. Different social, philosophical, pedagogical and architectural theories on the spaces built for and around the child have led to the construction of different kindergartens based on fantasy, over-design, sobriety, philosophical theories, and so on. Kindergartens with a surplus of architecture and furniture may reduce the child's imagination, because they are perceived as a too elaborate toy that gets boring. Furniture should provide children with metamorphic forms which adapt to their needs and preferences. The planning and design of buildings and spaces dedicated to children should consider the child at the center of the space built. The aim that architects should have in planning a kindergarten is the well being of the child, because his/her childhood will be the basis of the maturity as adult of tomorrow.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Architecture*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Imagination
  • Interior Design and Furnishings*
  • Italy
  • Life Style
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Schools*