Qualitative Meta-analysis of Environmental Characteristics Affecting Children's Creativity in Schools

Document Type : Qualitative Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Architecture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

2 Masters Student of Architecture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

https://doi.org/10.34785/J010.2021.027

Abstract

Creativity is currently among the hot topics in child development and education, which is 
also of utmost importance in psychological studies and environmental design. Previous 
research has thus far highlighted the effects of the surrounding environment on creativity 
development in this age group. Since an individual's personality is formed in childhood, 
researchers working on creativity have further focused on this stage of life. Therefore, this 
study was to reflect on the relationship between creativity and educational environments for 
children aged 2-10, and identify and explain the environmental components shaping 
creativity, utilizing the attitude of recognizing physical and mental dimensions in children 
and meeting their needs as users. Employing the exploratory research method and 
qualitative content analysis, the main variables contributing to the relationship between the 
environment and children's creativity were delineated, and there were attempts to 
recapitulate this relationship via logical reasoning. This study was a qualitative meta[1]analysis because an analytical approach, based on the theories presented in previous 
research, was adopted. The study results revealed that the architectural environment could 
foster children's creativity. In addition, a suitable platform would be provided for children 
to flourish and strengthen their creativity if the educational environments were designed 
with the aim to comply with the principles of child psychology.

Keywords


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