Sensory perception as an informant in built form design process: a proposed primary school for the Durban north area.

Abstract

The decline in academic performance throughout educational systems in South Africa may be stemming from elementary/primary school learner’s perception of the built environment resulting negative psychological effects which is evident in their results. This problem has been met with existing research into various aspects of child psychology primarily focussing on sensory perception and phenomenology. This allows one to gain an understanding into how a child perceives and responds to his or her environment. The case study results pertaining to sensory perception are supported by other similar research contained in the literature review (chapter 3). It therefore verifies the need that interventions into existing educational institutions can improve the academic outcomes of schools. Any future elementary/primary educational institution planning should strongly adhere to the design principles dictated by the results of this study.