Pedagogical Design: When Design Meets Education

In the world of early childhood education, kindergartens are much more than just buildings – they are spaces that shape early childhood experiences, the way children learn, play, connect and develop. But can the physical design of a kindergarten affect pedagogy? The answer is an unequivocable, yes.

 At Brothers and Sisters for Israel, we operate from an innovative concept called “pedagogical design”. The term describes a planning process that seeks to connect the physical principles of spatial design with pedagogical and educational concepts, appropriate for every community, kindergarten teacher and child.

What is Pedagogical Design?

Pedagogical design is a multi-faceted approach that combines:

1.     Ideal physical planning – spatial planning for the size of the building, the available budget and existing equipment, taking into account comfort and maximum safety for the children and staff.

2.     Personalization – Close collaboration with the kindergarten teacher, the local community and the kindergarten administration, so that the design reflects their unique values, spirit and educational agenda.

3.     Support for learning processes – Creating environments that encourage curiosity, creativity and independence, in accordance with the children’s developmental needs.

Why is this so important?

Over the years, we’ve learned that there is no “one size fits all” for kindergarten. Each community brings its own culture, customs, and needs, and each kindergarten teacher brings her own unique educational approach. Therefore, planning a kindergarten should be a process that respects the diversity of voices and visions.

For example:

• In communities where the value of “nature and the environment” is central, we will combine large outdoor spaces with natural materials.

• In kindergartens that promote democratic education, we will create spaces that encourage independence and decision-making among children.

• In kindergartens designed for children who have experienced trauma, we will emphasize quiet and supportive spaces that provide a sense of security.

How is this actually done?

1.     We begin with in-depth conversations with the kindergarten teacher and staff, with the aim of understanding the needs, vision and challenges.

2.     Moving on to the area and resource analysis phase – including the size of the building, budget and available equipment

3.     Formulating the design concept – Organizing the information collected, we define the guidelines for planning: the flow in the space, the play and learning spaces, the materials and colors that will suit the spirit of the kindergarten and the needs of the children.

4.     Involving the local community – As part of our concept, we strive to include parents, community representatives and the educational staff in the decision-making process, to ensure that the design reflects the shared values ​​and identity of the community.

5.     Customized implementation – The planning proceeds to implementation, with attention to the smallest details, while maintaining flexibility that will allow for changes and adjustments in the future.

An example from the field:

• In our latest project at Kibbutz Ruhama, a kindergarten for children from Kfar Aza, we were faced with unique challenges. On the one hand, a limited budget and a small structure; on the other, the need to provide children with a sense of security and belonging after a severe trauma.

• The result: a design that focused on intimate and homey spaces, with play and learning corners that invite children to explore and discover, while at the same time providing them with quiet areas for rest and relaxation. The kindergarten was designed around natural materials and soothing colors, which convey warmth and family.

The Added Value of Pedagogic Design

This approach is not only a design tool for beautiful spaces; ; it is an approach that aims to create kindergartens that promote the education of values, community, democracy, and even emotional rehabilitation for the children and the communities within which they operate.

In a world where education is one of the main tools for creating a better society, pedagogic design enables us to merge the world of design and education – to build life altering spaces.

In Summation

Pedagogic design is not merely a method, but a world perspective. It is our belief that every kindergarten can be a place where education begins even before the first lesson, by means of its space.

We invite you to join us, to learn about this approach, and to see how the design can change the reality for the children, their families and entire communities.