Investigating the Sense of Belonging to Place in Children's Educational Environments (Age Group 4 to 5 Years)

Subject Areas :

Shirin Mirshokraee ^{1 *} , Mitra kalantari ²

1 - Department of Architecture, Farshchian Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Assistant Professor, Architectural Engineering Department, Tafarsh Arithmetic Professor Unit, Islamic Azad University, Tafarsh, Iran

Received: 2025-01-14 Accepted : 2025-03-05 Published : 2025-03-07

Keywords: Sense of belonging to the place, Children's educational environment, Attachment to the place, Environmental psychology,

Abstract :

Human perception of the environment is a core concept in environmental psychology, significantly influencing individuals' behaviors and emotions. Physical conditions in environments can impact place attachment, particularly in educational spaces, which play a crucial role in shaping children's personalities and behaviors.

 This research follows a grounded theory approach in a case study format. Data collection methods include a literature review, questionnaire design, and interviews with experts in architecture and environmental psychology. Snowball sampling was employed online, and the sample size was calculated using the Cochran method.

 The results showed that the proper design of educational spaces using cheerful colors, creating diverse play areas, incorporating greenery, and adding audio-visual elements can strengthen children's sense of place attachment. These factors also positively impact children's creativity and engagement with the environment.

 This study emphasizes the importance of designing educational environments that enhance children's sense of place attachment. Properly designed educational spaces not only influence children's behavior but also foster creativity and social interactions. The research suggests that designers and educators should pay closer attention to these environmental factors to create more suitable spaces for children's growth and development.

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