Childrens Muesum Informal Learning through Play in Architecture

Abstract

Childhood experiences play a very important role in the development of one's personality. They influence how a person acts and responds to certain situations; their creative thought process and intellectual development. Most of the early experiences of a child take place in physical environments i.e. home, nursery, day care centre etc. These spaces are designed adults whose perception of space is different as compared to children. Small children are more sensitive towards the spaces they experience as compared to adults and are more vulnerable to their impact on their psychology. There is a need to understand the needs of children and design spaces that inspire them, that induce an inquisitive sense in them, that provide multisensory experience that replenishes their mind and body. Experience is the best form of learning. Specially children learn fast and better if they experience those things that are usually taught to them. The focus of the design for children should be to engage them in learning activities by providing environment that inspires them, stimulates their learning process and enriches their senses. This will induce in them confidence to question, to explore, to experiment, to fail, and ultimately to learn the process of life. This will result into individuals that are more aware of their surroundings and are able to respond accordingly.