While sustainability is arguably the top trend in architecture and design today, some designers are focusing on creating spaces made with children in mind. Being conscious of the wants and needs of children in all aspects of design can provide benefits for everyone, regardless of age.
Here’s why your next Idaho construction project should take the needs of children into account during development, planning and urban engineering phases.
Highlighting green space
Children are affected by the greater world around them, and the play between built and natural spaces makes a difference in their lives. Many children in societies worldwide live in overcrowded conditions, despite the link between access to green space and overall wellness being widely accepted.
Children need time in nature. They need a space to spread out, play and discover the natural world around them. Luckily, there’s no shortage of wide, open spaces in Idaho, but designers still need to be mindful of access to green space in development, planning and urban engineering for buildings.
Encouraging healthy lifestyles
Research has shown that consciously designing parks, streets, recreational facilities and other things children use can encourage kids to practice healthy habits early in life. Again, access to green space is important, giving kids plenty of room for physical activity that can lead to enhanced cognitive functioning, improved physical fitness and plenty of other benefits.
Improving accessibility
Children are very much in tune with the increased need for accessibility and equity in all aspects of life. Child-friendly spaces should be designed with accessibility in mind, making it easy for children of all abilities to navigate and enjoy the space to the fullest.
Providing light and openness
No kid enjoys being cramped and confined in a small space. During building design, include plenty of light sources, particularly large windows that let the light in while giving kids the opportunity to look outside and take in nature. Children should always have a visual and sensory connection to the natural world outdoors—and openness, combined with natural lighting, is shown to inspire calmness and encourage creative thinking.
Promoting freedom
Kids want to be themselves and feel liberated. In designing child-conscious structures, let go of traditional norms regarding what spaces should look and feel like. There are a variety of ways to do this, including blurring the separation between inside and outside, as well as incorporating other unexpected design elements into the mix. Make spaces that are open and interactive, inspiring people to explore and learn.
Setting the mood with color
Most environments for kids feature plenty of colors, but too much color can actually have a dizzying effect. Children feel the most engaged and inspired in environments that include both calming and energizing elements. Choose colors and textures carefully in all design elements.
If you’re designing an Idaho construction project with children in mind, use all phases of the project, including development, planning and urban engineering, to ensure their needs are met. Reach out to Mason & Associates for more information about how child-conscious construction can improve your next project.