The Architecture of Early Childhood

Abstract

The concept of early childhood education as an institution has been in existence for over a century. While an ongoing body of research (Dahlberg, Moss & Pence, 2007) affirms the need for quality early childhood services for the child’s successful development, the subject of its architecture has yet to receive the attention it deserves. ‘The architecture of early childhood’ employs a holistic design-research approach that combines pedagogical theories, case studies and designed diagrams, to provide early childhood and architectural practitioners with a framework or ‘guide’ to designing future early childhood centres. This research acknowledges the many approaches taken by architects when designing early childhood centres, and thereby does not intend to promote one over the other. Rather it advocates a thoughtful and considered approach to design and offers a solid foundation from which the “building blocks” of an early childhood architectural design typology might emerge.