| Title |
Exploring the Playful Development Environment for Children : A Case study of Play Elements and Architectural Features at Fuji Kindergarten |
| Authors |
조인영(Cho, In-Young) ; 조택연(Cho, Taig-Youn) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2024.40.3.57 |
| Keywords |
Kindergarten; child development; neuroscience; evolutionary psychology; Enjoyment; playful space; adequate stimulus |
| Abstract |
Children's educational facilities play a vital role in shaping the daily environment during the critical period of brain development, ensuring
the provision of suitable stimulation. This study focuses on Fuji Kindergarten as a case study, emphasizing the importance of a playful
developmental environment for children. Drawing from evolutionary psychology and neuroscience, pleasure is recognized as a fundamental mechanism that drives responses to beneficial stimuli, essential for survival, the reward system and learning processes. Fuji Kindergarten exemplifies this by transforming its entire building into a playground, offering a joyful and immersive experience. Grounded in child development theory, evolutionary psychology, and neuroscience, this study explores various aspects. It investigates adventure activities that foster exploration and risk-taking, peer interactions promoting imitation and connection, observation and exploration activities nurturing curiosity, and appropriate stimulation fostering emotional attachment. Through analyzing the Fuji Kindergarten case, elements such as climbing pathways, incorporation of natural elements, strategic placement of manageable risk factors, spatial features encouraging peer collaboration, and a cyclical structure supporting emotional stability were identified. By examining the importance of enjoyment and spatial configuration methods, this research aims to provide insights into the spatial design direction for creating environments that encourage appropriate stimulation in children's educational facilities. |