Providing a Conceptual Model for Designing Educational Spaces with an Approach to Enhancing Children’s Self-Leadership: A Design-Based Study of an Elementary School in District 22 of Tehran

Subject Areas : Environmental Design

Morteza Mahdavipoor ¹ , Hedieh Dabiri ^{2 *}

1 -
2 - tehran

Received: 2025-07-04 Accepted : 2025-08-02 Published : 2025-03-10

Keywords: Educational Space, Self-Leadership, Child-Centered Architecture, Design-Based , Independent Learning,

Abstract :

Children, as the foundation of sustainable development in any society, need environments that go beyond meeting basic needs to nurture their independent identity, sense of responsibility, and creativity. Educational spaces, especially during the elementary years, play a fundamental role in shaping children’s personality, learning styles, and social skills, acting as one of the most influential factors in this process. This study aims to develop an innovative conceptual model for designing child-centered educational spaces with an emphasis on enhancing self-leadership, conducted within elementary schools in District 22 of Tehran. The research adopts a design-based approach grounded in qualitative methodology. By focusing on concepts such as independent decision-making, conscious choice, experiential learning, and responsibility, the study seeks to establish a framework that transforms educational environments from static structures into dynamic, participatory, and empowering spaces. To achieve this goal, theoretical foundations from developmental psychology, self-directed learning theories, learning space design, and exemplary domestic and international case studies were analyzed and integrated. The findings led to the identification of key indicators at three levels: physical, spatial, and environmental, which are presented in the form of a conceptual model. This model not only offers a fresh approach to elementary school design but can also serve as a strategic tool for designers, architects, and educational policymakers, helping them create inspiring environments that foster self-directed, creative, and responsible future generations

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