The Minimum Area Required for Children Aged Between 3 and 5 Years Old in a Kindergarten

Abstract

This paper contains the first stage of a research developed by Buen Comienzo Programme, Medellin Mayor’s Office and a group of Architects, to identify the minimum area required for a child aged between 3 and 5 years old, while occupying a kindergarten. According to the Colombian Technical Regulation (NTC4595) for architectural design in Colombia, the minimum area for Educational Buildings is 2 m2 per child. This measure includes: the work area (0,5 m x 0,7 m =0,35 m2) per student, the storage area (10% of the work area, 0,035 m2), and the area for general furniture. Pursuant to this standard, it can be deducted that occupancy of buildings is determined by the regular furniture dimensions. However, the movements of children are determined not only by furniture but also by their relationship with other children. Therefore, data of children’s dimensions in movement can improve the decision making process for the architectural design, pedagogy and the review of regulations. This research was developed considering that a child spends 70% of their time in a kindergarten, in constant interaction with other children, objects and furniture. The content will refer to the review of world and local regulation about children occupancy in educational buildings.