Reconnect to nature: Designing learning environments that strengthen children’s connection to nature
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Architecture and planning beyond sustainability, MSc
Publicerad
2022
Författare
Ahlstedt, Cornelia
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
This thesis emphasizes the importance of nature’s presences in our lives. An
increasingly urbanized world with reduced access to green spaces, a rise in
electronic media, a change in social norms and a reduced perception of the role
of the natural world for human survival have all lead to a disconnection between
human and nature. The disconnection has been proposed as a root cause of the
global environmental crisis and research findings across a wide range of sectors
show the benefits of contact with nature and its impact on human health and
well-being. Against this background the purpose of this master’s thesis is to
investigate how humans can be reconnected to nature through architecture.
A good relationship to nature is strongest when developed in early ages and
a connection to nature during childhood is essential for physical and mental
development. In this thesis, strategies for reconnecting children with nature are
explored and a preschool located in an urban context is used as a basis for the
investigation.
We spend approximately 90% of our time indoors so a satisfying relation
between people and the natural world in the built environment is crucial for
human’s connection to nature. Architects are using biophilic design as a method
to improve human health and to create an experience of nature in the built
environment. In this thesis biophilic design is explored and interpreted into
design strategies with the aim to create learning environments that strengthen
children’s connection to nature. The use of the strategies also aims to improve
children’s development and well-being and strengthen pro-environmental
behaviours.
The design strategies are translated into physical form in a design proposal; a
transformation of the preschool Levgrensvägen 3 in Gothenburg, Sweden, which
showcase an architecture that incorporates nature and nature experiences in
the design. The outcome is a speculative transformation of the building and its
outdoor spaces in the light of biophilic design, which can contribute to a raised
discussion on the importance of a connection between human and nature and
the awareness on the benefits and limitations of using biophilic design.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Human-nature connection , Biophilc design , Learning environments , Preschool