Designing a space for children

Designing a space for children is as essential as designing for adults', quite similar actually (until you realize that it's no longer your-ideal-space I might say). There are some important aspects to be considered that actually differentiate the two user-based interiors. It's no longer just a 'what visual invitation that attracts you' question. However, it is more about what invites children to do and simply how it looks. 

"children thrive in spaces that include both energizing and calm elements"

How do they feel about the space or how do they use the space?

Will it be safe for younger ones? Is it approachable for them?

Are the design features easy to used by themselves?

And yeah here it is! Some analysis in designing a space for children

Each space has to be open and accessible for children to inhabit and use

-  organised with basic premise

-  equipped with materials that foster exploration

INSIDE - OUTSIDE RELATIONSHIP

-  to have an essential communication with nature

-  to create a 'senses' space

-  high ventilation

LIGHTING

-  indirect sunlight (best option for room lighting as accordance to toddlers' health issue)

- window treatment (suggestion) : blinds, louvers

MATERIALS

-  easy to clean / low maintenance materials

-  durable / have long life expectancy

-  no or low VOC

(lighter hues paint has fewer VOCs as they use less pigment and has benefit of distributing natural light around the room)

-  anti slip & allergy proof flooring

Another ones that might helpful...

POINT OF VIEW

try to always remember below part of wall

(child's eyes level)

consider how they view the area, how they feel and experience the space

INDEPENDENCE

it's important to help children practice self-help skills and bolsters their sense of responsibility

consider things that kids want to be able and enjoy to do for themselves

INVITATIONS

creating a space that users can ask 'what it invites children to do?'

-  visual invitation calling kids

-  let children to get comfortable and use the space / stay a while

-  attractive and colorful supplies

-  encourage children to do activities and exploration

multiple sources

http://simplekids.net

http://playfullearning.net

http://llk.media.mit.edu

http://greenhomeguide.com

http://www.gharexpert.com