The Principles of Montessori Design: What Makes it Unique?

By a Montessori School DesignArchitect: Rinka Bose D’Monte of Atelier ARBO, Mumbai

With over 15 years of architectural practice in Mumbai, I have worked on various architectural and Interior Design Projects, but the amount of learning which has happened is because of my involvement with Montessori School Designs is unparallel to any other sector. For past couple of years Mumbai has seen rise of Montessori Schools and as the philosophy gains more attention, there is so much thaat I can contribute as I have years of experience in designing child centric spaces. Before I designed Montessori Schools, I worked with Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation for developing there Children’s park at Jogger’s Park in Bandra West and few others. I was also interviewed by BMC’s initiative through Tactical Urbanism to share my thoughts about designing child centric spaces in the city of Mumbai.

Following such great experiences, I designed the Lower Parel branch school for Harmony Montessori from Santacruz, Mumbai which was completed in 2023. The experience opened ways to explore the field further and extend the knowledge to others. The belief is very simple, that is to promote Montessori way of education and assists schools, teachers and parent’s alike to develop child sensitive and inclusive spaces. Montessori School Design is quite different than conventional primary schools, and it does need keen interest and eye to detail. The space needs to be seen and experienced through the eyes of children and not as an adult, so the anthropometrics’ along with the aesthetic sensibilities have to be subtle and calm.

There are few ways and methods which has been making sense to me and that is what I have also used for designing Montessori School space. The same re mentioned below. If you do have any suggestions or comments then do write below in the comment’s section.

1.     Child Centric Design approach

Montessori classrooms usually starts from early age until adolescence. Depending upon the age bracket the space needs to be designed. For early age children between 2.5 years to 6 years of age the space needs to be different from 14month old to 2.5 years of age. The human body & mind development from the time a child is born until age 6 is quite dramatic as they learn quite a lot just by being present in an environment, which is enriching. So as an architect and as a mother I have been trying to observe children to design spaces which they can easily relate to and interact with.

One good example of the same has been to design seats or shelfs at a particular height, which is the eye level of a child, rather than to design the same as per adult height. The floor can be used for sitting or for doing any activity, wall mirrors are very good for younger children as well. The possibility of making all things accessible to children makes them self-sufficient to explore the overall environment with confidence, which in turn helps them to become independent.

As an architect, it means that we have to study the anthropometric needs of children to design the space technically and complement it with muted colour tones for overall aesthetics. Artwork and texture of material also plays a significant role as children at early age group learn quite a bit from there sensorial experiences.

 

2.     The prepared Environment

In Montessori, the “prepared environment” is an essential concept. It’s a space carefully structured to support focused exploration and learning. Rather than overwhelming students with color and clutter, we provide clean lines, natural lighting, plantation and well defined zones for various types of work—sensorial, practical life, language, and math.  

Very often, I am asked by client’s why our design consultancy fee is high as the task is not more that just placing some shelfs and some art on walls, but the essence of designing a Montessori space is all about creating balance and harmony with “simplicity” at its core which is neither usual or common practice. In India, for primary schools the usual approach seems to be about putting up cartoon characters on wall or painting one wall in each room with a bright / striking colour.

The layout of the room and the overall space needs to be thought well to provide a guide / prepared environment, which will help children with self-exploration and movement while they become free to decide about engaging with any particular activity available to them. This process of choice and decision making eventually helps them to develop independence and connection.

 

3.    Use of Natural Materials

Montessori environments prioritizes authenticity, so it is quite easy for us to use materials, which are simple and easily available. I have worked with variety of wood and prefer to work with Rubberwood, Ashwood, birchwood for Montessori Educational spaces as with the light colored tint of the material, the Montessori educational material is highlighted well within the space. This helps children to get attract just to them and not get distracted by the rest of the environment. Materials like, jute, coir, cotton weave, etc are few of our choices and we add lot many natural items in our design and for creating the aesthetically appealing interiors. Commonly we do avoid plastic material, but certain items are easy available so we do land up suing some amount of them as well in our design, but we are mindful of the same.

From a design perspective, this also reflects a deeper value: children are trusted. They are capable. They deserve beauty and real-world tools. In our architectural choices—flooring, finishes, fixtures—we honor this belief.

 

4.     Freedom within limits

A Montessori classroom or a Montessori inspired space is designed to allow freedom of choice to children, so even though the space freely flows from one zone to another it is well structured. There are certain boundaries within this prepared environment that does provide harmony and balance.

We build in sightlines for teachers to observe without interrupting. We include cozy nooks for solitude and open tables for collaboration. There is movement without chaos. The space itself teaches grace, order, and mutual respect.

 

5.     Aesthetic Simplicity and purpose

Montessori design steers away from busy walls, cartoon murals, and clutter. Instead, we aim for calm, neutral tones with intentional visual interest—perhaps a single piece of art, a plant, or a well-crafted material on a tray.

This simplicity is not minimalism for its own sake. It reflects Montessori’s respect for concentration and beauty. As an architect, I strive to create visual and acoustic serenity—using natural material & light with clean defining lines, and acoustically mindful materials. There is so much that one can do within these spaces, that there are times we feel that the opportunity Montessori Way of education provides anyone can helps other schools (even though they may not be with Montessori philosophy education) as well.

 

6.     Practical Life Integration

One of the most distinctive features of Montessori design is how seamlessly real-life activities are woven into the space. In many schools, children help prepare snacks, water plants, sweep floors, and even do laundry. We design child-accessible sinks, food prep stations, and storage that invites participation.

This hands-on work grounds children in reality. It builds life skills, confidence, and a sense of contribution. Architecture here serves not just function but meaning.

 

7.     Community and Multi-age learning

Montessori classrooms typically serve mixed-age groups, which encourages leadership and collaboration. Therefore, as an architect, I have realized this allows us to create zones, which caters to different kinds of interaction of children of different age groups. These changes in the design of classrooms are more to create micro-communities than grade-level as commonly seen in general primary schools.

Therefore, while Designing Montessori inspired spaces, we have to keep the Child in Mind. In conventional architecture, the adult perspective dominates—tables, chairs, lighting, and even traffic flow reflect adult priorities. Montessori challenges that. It asks us to see the world at 3 feet tall. It invites us to slow down, to create spaces that are beautiful, respectful, and alive with purpose.

Montessori design is not just about aesthetics. It is a commitment to human development. In addition, as an architect, I find that deeply inspiring. If we design well, the environment will speak to the child: You are capable. You belong. You are free to grow.

Do write to us at atelierarbo.india@gmail.com