The influence of early childhood development on architecture: towards the design of a community child development centre in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Loading...
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
In South Africa, rural communities are exposed to impoverished and unhygienic living
conditions that jeopardise the survival, health and development of children. Despite the
rejection of policies instilled during apartheid, equity in terms of the distribution of resources,
service delivery, and early childhood development has not been achieved. Millions of orphaned
and vulnerable children are transitioning into formal schooling without the intellectual and
physical capabilities needed to excel. Thus, opportunities for children are compromised as is
their quality of life as an adult. Through the research and analysis presented, it is clear that the
outcomes of early childhood development facilities in rural South Africa have failed policy aims.
In response to poor quality early childhood development infrastructure and socio-economic
inequality, this dissertation aims to transform learning spaces for children between 0 and 6
years old by exploring architecture to support the development of children in rural KwaZulu-
Natal. In order to fulfil the rights of children, and provide them with a fair chance in life, the
environment in which a child lives and grows should encourage the human development
process and should provide opportunities for early learning. Children are dependent on their
support system. Therefore, empowering communities generates stronger socio-economic
conditions in which children are able to grow emotionally, intellectually and physically to their
full potential.
This dissertation will result recommendations for a community early childhood development
informed by primary and secondary data collected by the researcher and organised
thematically. Theories of social justice, cognitive development and perception in
phenomenology engage with core components of the topic – early childhood development,
the built environment and rural KwaZulu-Natal – in order to facilitate the design of a
community child development centre based in iKhethelo Children’s Village. Through sensory
and intellectual stimulation, the built environment aims to provide a venue for pedagogic
concepts, principles and experiences in order to promote higher levels of learning.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.