Beyond the Garden: Nature-Integrated Learning Environments for Children

Year 2025, Volume: 1 Issue: 2, 36 - 57, 31.07.2025

Tutku Didem Altun

Abstract

This study examines how architectural design in early childhood education settings can strengthen children's connection with nature through a comparative analysis of six international examples. The selected kindergartens—Locarno, Fuji, My Montessori Garden, Environmental Nature Center Preschool, Te Mirumiru, and Kadıköy Bahriye Üçok—are evaluated in terms of spatial organization, pedagogical foundations, sustainability strategies, and user experiences. The findings reveal that being “nature-integrated” goes far beyond merely having a garden; it requires a holistic approach where nature permeates the architectural space and becomes directly involved in children's play, exploration, and learning processes. In cases where space is not just a physical backdrop but is positioned as the “third teacher,” children's cognitive and sensory awareness of nature develops more effectively. The study identifies five key architectural strategies that foster a stronger child–nature connection: continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, use of natural materials, interactive nature-based play areas, climate-responsive design, and flexible, child-scaled spatial arrangements. Within this context, the research emphasizes that architectural design serves not only environmental but also pedagogical and cultural purposes, arguing that sustainability must be constructed spatially as well as behaviorally.

Keywords

Nature-integrated architecture, Early childhood education environments, Ecological design, Pedagogical architecture

Bahçenin Ötesinde: Çocuklar İçin Doğayla Bütünleşik Öğrenme Mekânları

Abstract

Bu çalışma, erken çocukluk eğitim yapılarında mimari tasarımın çocukların doğayla kurduğu bağı nasıl güçlendirebileceğini, dünya genelinden altı örnek üzerinden karşılaştırmalı olarak incelemektedir. Araştırmada Locarno, Fuji, My Montessori Garden, Environmental Nature Center Preschool, Te Mirumiru ve Kadıköy Bahriye Üçok anaokulları, mekânsal organizasyonları, pedagojik arka planları, sürdürülebilirlik stratejileri ve kullanıcı deneyimleri üzerinden değerlendirilmiştir. Analizler, doğayla etkileşimli olmanın sadece “bahçeli olmak”la sınırlı kalmayıp; doğanın yapının içine sızdığı, çocukların oyun, keşif ve öğrenme süreçlerine doğrudan dahil olduğu bütüncül bir tasarımı gerektirdiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Mekânın yalnızca fiziksel bir arka plan değil, “üçüncü öğretmen” olarak konumlandığı durumlarda, çocukların doğaya dair bilişsel ve duyusal farkındalıklarının daha etkili geliştiği gözlemlenmektedir. Araştırma, çocuk-doğa ilişkisini destekleyen beş temel mimari stratejiyi (iç-dış mekân sürekliliği, doğal malzeme kullanımı, doğa ile etkileşimli oyun alanları, iklime duyarlı tasarım ve esnek mekân kurgusu) öne çıkarmaktadır. Bu bağlamda, mimari tasarımın yalnızca çevresel değil, pedagojik ve kültürel bir araç olduğu vurgulanmakta; sürdürülebilirliğin davranışsal olduğu kadar mekânsal olarak da inşa edilmesi gerektiği savunulmaktadır.

Keywords

Doğa ile etkileşimli mimari, Erken çocukluk eğitim mekanları, Ekolojik mimari, Pedagojik tasarım

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