The influence of early childhood development on architecture: towards the design of a community child development centre in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

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.