As American author and educator Angela Schwindt said, "While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." This sentiment beautifully encapsulates the profound relationship between adults and children, highlighting the valuable lessons that can be learned from our kids and youngsters. In architecture and design, this principle holds true as we strive to create spaces that cater to the specific needs and perspectives of children.
From educational facilities to healthcare environments, designing for children requires a deep understanding of their unique requirements, preferences, and developmental stages. In this article, we will delve into some details on designing for children, drawing from my recent projects such as The Buckley Lower School aAssembly Building and Library, and the Special Needs Network regional clinics for kids and families with kids with special needs. Through these examples, we will explore the importance of incorporating child-centered design principles, fostering creativity, comfort, and learning in architectural spaces tailored for the younger generation.In today's dynamic world, children are not just seen as the future, but also as valuable members of our society who have unique needs and perspectives. As architects and designers, it is important for us to recognize and address these specific needs in our projects. Recently, I had the opportunity to work on two projects that focused on creating spaces for children a school project and a series of mental health centers that I'll use to illustrate some of these concepts.
Designing spaces for children requires a different set of skills and considerations compared to designing for adults. In addition to architectural and space planning, there is a special emphasis on finishes and furniture that are safe, durable, and age-appropriate. For The Buckley Lower School library and classrooms, we chose natural materials and soft colors that are playful yet subtle, moving away from the traditional use of primary colors in school design. Scale is also an important factor, with careful consideration given to view lines and carpet time for younger children. Chairs are lower in height and rugs can be didactic, promoting learning through play. Lighting also plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming and engaging environment for children. Soft lighting and decorative pendant fixtures help to create a cozy atmosphere, while playful motifs on walls and floors such as words, letters, and animals add a touch of whimsy without being overwhelming. The Special Needs Network clinics presented a different set of challenges, as we wanted to create a space that felt more like a home than a medical facility. Recognizing that therapy is also an opportunity for play, community, connection, and education, we incorporated elements that would help to make children and their families feel comfortable and at ease like books, toys, fun beanbags and a foosball table for the teens. Kids love when they come here, which is such a welcome shift from dreading therapy time. They don't wanna leave! It is estimated that over 50 million children will be entering the school year in America, highlighting the need for innovative and child-centered design in educational, community and healthcare spaces. Despite this, many schools and clinics continue to follow outdated archetypes that do not fully consider the needs of children. As architects and designers, we have the opportunity to create spaces that not only meet the practical needs of children but also nurture their creativity, curiosity, and well-being. Children are not just our future, but also valuable sources of inspiration and insight. By designing spaces that cater to their unique needs and perspectives, we can create environments that support their growth and development, and ultimately, enrich our communities as a whole.