The benefits of Natural Ventilation in Montessori School Design

Written by: Rinka Bose D’Monte

Date: 24 September 2025

Designing a Montessori school goes far beyond choosing classroom layouts and teaching materials. It’s about creating an environment where children can thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually. One key element often underappreciated in school architecture is natural ventilation.

The Montessori philosophy views the environment as the “third teacher,” shaping how children learn, explore, and interact. A naturally well-ventilated space supports this ideology by fostering health, comfort, and a strong connection to the natural world.

Why Natural Ventilation Matters in Montessori Schools

1. Healthier Indoor Air Quality

Children spend significant hours in classrooms, so air quality directly impacts their well-being. Poorly ventilated spaces trap carbon dioxide, allergens, and pollutants, leading to fatigue, allergies, and even illness. Natural ventilation keeps the air fresh, oxygen-rich, and healthier—reducing absenteeism and enhancing learning outcomes.

2. Better Concentration and Focus

Research shows that well-ventilated classrooms improve cognitive performance. When children breathe fresh air, they stay more alert, absorb information faster, and engage better with their tasks. In Montessori settings where concentration and self-directed learning are key, fresh air becomes essential for supporting focus.

3. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Montessori education encourages respect for nature, and schools designed with passive cooling and natural ventilation reflect this value. By reducing dependency on air-conditioning systems, schools consume less energy, lower operational costs, and leave a smaller carbon footprint.

4. Connection with the Natural World

Montessori environments encourage children to be close to nature. Cross-ventilation brings in not only air but also natural sounds—rustling leaves, chirping birds, gentle breezes—subtly connecting children with seasonal and environmental changes throughout the day.

5. Improved Thermal Comfort

Naturally ventilated buildings use the wind, air pressure differences, and heat movement to keep interiors comfortable. For children, this means classrooms stay cooler in summer and feel fresher even during humid conditions, ensuring a pleasant learning environment without mechanical intervention.

6. Promoting Emotional Well-being

Fresh air brings a sense of openness and calmness. Montessori classrooms are designed to be peaceful, ordered, and stress-free. Adequate ventilation enhances this atmosphere, making children feel relaxed and ready to learn.

Natural Ventilation Opportunities for Montessori School Design

To fully leverage the benefits of natural ventilation, architects and planners can integrate the following design strategies:

1. Cross-Ventilation through Windows

   • Position windows on opposite walls to allow air to flow naturally through the classroom.

   • Use operable windows at child-friendly heights so teachers or older children can adjust airflow.

2. Clerestory Windows and Ventilation Louvers

   • High-level windows release hot air as it rises, keeping classrooms cool.

   • Adjustable louvers allow controlled ventilation even during light rain or dusty conditions.

3. Ventilated Roof Designs

   • Sloped or double-skin roofs with ridge vents encourage warm air to escape and draw in cooler air.

   • Pergolas or roof overhangs provide shade while allowing air movement.

4. Courtyards and Open-Air Corridors

   • Internal courtyards act as lungs for the building, drawing in breezes and promoting cross-ventilation.

   • Open corridors with shaded walkways prevent heat buildup and create pleasant transition spaces.

5. Verandas and Outdoor Learning Spaces

   • Semi-open learning areas under shade allow children to learn outdoors while staying protected from direct sunlight.

   • These spaces also bring in indirect airflow into adjacent indoor classrooms.

6. Wind Catchers and Solar Chimneys

   • Traditional wind towers or modern solar chimneys use natural forces to pull fresh air into buildings and push warm air out.

   • These passive techniques are energy-free and effective even in low-wind conditions.

7. Landscape Integration

   • Strategic planting of trees and shrubs directs breezes toward classrooms and provides natural shading.

   • Green roofs and vertical gardens also help cool the air before it enters indoor spaces.

By thoughtfully integrating natural ventilation strategies, Montessori schools become healthier, more comfortable, and more sustainable. They embody the Montessori principles of harmony with nature and respect for the child’s physical and emotional well-being. Ultimately, these schools provide children with spaces where the air is as fresh as the ideas they cultivate within.

Creating Montessori spaces for engaged and hands-on learning

 Written by: Rinka Bose D’Monte

Date: 20 September 2025

Children at early age learn a lot from their surroundings, so the environment plays a crucial role in shaping their everyday experiences. Montessori way of education stresses on creating the environment which allows freedom. Since this idea is at the core of designing any classroom, the environment is well prepared by a adult who respects the needs of children from early age. This allows children to explore, experiment and grow independently. We always believe and practice the same in our architectural firm Atelier ARBO, that a Montessori classroom is way more than organising wooden furniture and natural materials and its more about creating that safe space with warmth and lot of thought by the architect to nurture the lives of children from early age. If the environment creates curiosity, then that will allow for lifelong learning. This is the core of our design philosophy.

1. Start with Montessori Principles:

1. Its is important to create a space which is Child-centric and caters to their anthropometric and physiological needs. Creating shelves and floor seating spaces for children to roll around and access material makes it feel like house of children (as what Dr. Maria Montessori called it)

2. Simple, clean and calm space can do wonders for children. By avoiding clutter and creating sensible spaces, children can feel a sense of calm and focus.

3. Freedom within limits enhance the work experience. By displaying educational material in open shelves, it allows choice and preference. This choice and balance of exposing them to limited number of material nurtures self-discipline which eventually nurtures responsibility.

2. Creating Defined Learning Areas

The classrooms in a Montessori environment are divided into distinct zones, which are

1. Practical Life Area: Activities like pouring, sweeping, or buttoning frames develop fine motor skills and independence.

2. Sensorial Area: Colour Tablets, Sound Cylinders, geometric solids help children to refine their sense and classify the world around them.

3. Language and Literacy Area: This zone includes sandpaper letters, movable alphabets and reading nooks to build strong language skills.

4. Mathematics Area: Materials like number rods, bead chains, and the golden bead system turn abstract concepts into tangible learning experiences.

5. Cultural Area: Geography puzzles, maps, science experiments, and art activities nurture curiosity about the wider world.

3. Encourage Hands-on, self-Directed Learning

Many years of our practice into creating child-centric spaces has made us learn and understand that environment plays a crucial role into allowing hands-on experiences. As child believes in learning by self exploration, so as an aware architect and a mother I feel that more the space is developed from a child’s perspective and not as an adult will allow for better self-directed learning and hands-on work.

1. Open shelves with beautifully arranged materials allow children to independently select activities.

2. Learning tools should be real, not pretend—glass cups instead of plastic, real brooms instead of toy versions.

3. Outdoor connections, like a small garden or nature corner, bring the natural world into daily learning.

Hands-on learning helps children develop concentration, problem-solving skills, and confidence as they work through activities independently.

4. Aesthetics and Atmosphere Matter

A Montessori space should feel warm, welcoming, and peaceful. Soft lighting, natural materials like wood, and neutral colors with pops of vibrancy creates a sense of calm & yet creates a stimulating environment. Adding elements of nature—plants, flowers, natural textures—enhances the sensory experience and teaches children to care for their surroundings.

5. Flexibility and Observation

Montessori environments evolve as children grow. Teachers observe how children interact with the space and adjust it based on their needs and interests. This flexibility keeps the environment dynamic and responsive, ensuring ongoing engagement.

6. The role of the Adult

In Montessori education, the adult acts as a guide rather than a lecturer. The well-prepared environment does much of the teaching itself. When designed thoughtfully, the space encourages independence so children can explore and learn at their own pace, while teachers step in only when guidance is truly needed.

Creating Montessori spaces for engaged and hands-on learning is about more than aesthetics; it’s about respecting the child’s natural curiosity and drive to learn. When children enter a space designed with care, order, and beauty, they feel valued—and that sense of belonging empowers them to become active, self-motivated learners.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, or school designer, the goal remains the same: to create an environment where every material, every corner, and every detail speaks to a child’s potential and inspires lifelong learning.

Creating Montessori Classrooms with areas for Quiet and active play

Written by: Rinka Bose D’Monte

Date: 15 September 2025

Montessori classrooms are very simple, calm and elegantly laid out. They are not just a space, which holds educational material inspired by Montessori philosophy. It is a well-curated and thoughtfully arranged educational environment where children feel secure, inspired and free to explore. While a classroom is divided into 5 different zones or sections, the primary division in any classroom is into separate areas for quite and active play. This allows then to work well individually or in groups, while the play space allows them to explore.

Why Separate Quiet and Play Areas Matter:

Montessori philosophy emphasizes freedom within limits and this helps children to choose the activity, which suits them the best. The classroom allows freedom but if there is no proper segregation of within one large space then it can become chaotic for reading, puzzles, sensory work and physical play. Therefore, we see a great advantage into creating and developing a large space with defined zones with interconnectivity for accommodating plays areas and quiet spaces. Here are some ideas for the same:

1. By minimizing distractions, children can focus better in the class

2. By encouraging self-directed activity, will allow for the idea of independence to grow

3. By supporting emotional regulation, a child learns to respect each other’s space.

Designing the Quiet Zone:

Children have lot of energy a primary level (toddlers) and their physical movement is as necessary as there quite moments with Montessori educational material. Reading, Writing, art and practical life work. Some of the ideas, which helps us at Atelier ARBO in designing the classrooms, are:

1. Location: Placing it in a corner or side of the classroom helps us to minimize the traffic flor and noise.

2. Furniture: Use of low shelves, cozy rugs, floor cushions, and child sized chairs

3. Lighting: By use of softer / warm lights at calm spaces helps create the right ambience needs for those peaceful moments.

4. Materials: Keeping books, art supplies, & Montessori Material neatly organized in trays and baskets will help.

5. Décor: Monotones, Light colour pallet and indoor plans can create just the right balance for the indoor space.

The quite zone can become the perfect self-learning and relaxing space for children.

Designing the Active Play Area:

While the quiet zone provides enough space for self-exploration, the active work zone needs to allow for easy movement and collaboration. This is when the child needs space to play with large blocks or engage in group activities which helps in gross motor skills.

Some of the ideas, which we like to consider in our designs, are:

1. Open space: By providing enough floor space for movement, activities like dance, yoga or large-scale puzzle or maps can be explored with ease.

2. Flexible Furniture: Small Wooden chairs which can be stored, tables which can be used individually or in a combined format and floor mats can be useful for creating various furniture arrangements.

3. Collaborative Workstations: By encouraging teamwork with low height tables and open shelves with educational material helps.

4. Gross motor materials: Also adding climbing structures, balancing boards, etc. allow for free body movement for children.

5. Boundaries: Usage of rugs or shelving units allows one to create dedicated spaces without making them enclosed. This helps to create an open plan layout which makes a larger space for children to explore.

Blending the Two Zones Seamlessly

While these two different zones are distinct, the classroom still feels cohesive, unified and harmonious. The beauty of doing the same lies in the blend and here are some of our ideas for doing the same:

1. By using indoor plants and low-level shelves, the transition between spaces within the classroom becomes seamless. So in one large classroom, the avoidance of partitions, walls and other’s helps in creating the right balance in the classroom.

2. Incorporation of Visual Cues – different coloured or textured flooring materials can help in creating the definition of a particular zone or activity space.

3. Maintaining a consistent aesthetic sensibility across both the zones with natural colours, wooden materials and uncluttered design can help in creating the essence of a beautiful Montessori classroom.

Respecting Montessori Principles

Montessori is beautiful educational philosophy and still holds good and we keep reminding ourselves while designing that the end goal is not to control but to offer freedom with well thought out structure. In real, children should be given the power and autonomy to choose what they would like to work with, this sense of independence is essential to develop thinking and choice rather than making them mass followers in life. Children from an early age can learn to understand their desires, interest and drive if given proper opportunity of space and environment.

The belief is well explored and expressed with Montessori philosophy of education, so intend to create clear boundaries with natural materials. The overall belief can achieve greater design results.

The Impact of Classroom Layout on Montessori Learning

Using Sustainable Materials in Montessori School Design

Why sustainability matters in Montessori spaces

Montessori education emphasizes harmony with nature by creating an environment which nurtures sensorial engagement and mutual respect. Using sustainable materials enhances these values and creates a healthier learning space.

1. Natural, Renewable Materials

Montessori classrooms traditionally favor natural materials like wood, metal, and glass. Opting for sustainably sourced wood or bamboo — which regenerates quickly—supports environmental responsibility while preserving the tactile and aesthetic appeal central to Montessori environments.

Materials such as cork, straw, rammed earth, and clay offer excellent thermal and acoustic properties and a low environmental footprint, fostering both comfortable learning environments and greater sustainability

2. Health & Durability: Better for Children, Better for Resources

Using low-VOCs and non-toxic finishes—like natural paints and adhesives—ensures indoor air quality remains high, supporting students' health and concentration Sustainable materials are also often more durable than conventional alternatives, reducing the need for replacement and minimizing waste over time.

3. Energy-Smart Design: Passive Comfort & Efficiency

Implementing passive design elements—natural lighting, cross-ventilation, and high thermal mass materials—reduces reliance on artificial cooling and lighting, hence it improves the indoor comfort & lowers the energy use. 

4. Local Craftsmanship & Traditional Techniques

Embracing local materials and building traditions not only cuts down transport emissions but also enriches students’ connection to their community. 

Examples include:

a. METI Handmade School in Bangladesh: built with local craftsmen using mud and bamboo, combining traditional techniques with thoughtful innovations.

b. Diébédo Francis Kéré’s schools in Burkina Faso: heavy earthen walls and raised roofs maintain thermal comfort naturally, and involve community in sustainable construction.

Integrating such approaches in Montessori environments encourages children to appreciate craftsmanship, sustainability, and cultural context.

5. Biophilic Design & Outdoor Learning

Montessori education naturally embraces connections with nature—both indoors and out. Including indoor plants and better view of the outdoor spaces from within the classroom will allow for better daylight conditions, visual access and supports creating a thriving workspace indoors.  

Outdoor classrooms and gardens, somewhat like Shanti Niketan in West Bengal, where children can grow, compost, and interact with ecosystems, model sustainability and experience firsthand learning are great.

Conclusion: Harmony in Design & Education

A Montessori space built with sustainable materials becomes more than a classroom—it’s an immersive lesson in ecology, health, and community. When classrooms are inspiring, tactile, naturally lit, and built with care, they embody the Montessori ethos while modeling a responsible, sustainable future.

Incorporating Natural Light in Montessori Classroom Design

Incorporating Natural Light in Montessori Classroom Design

In Montessori education, the environment plays an important role in nurturing independence and love for learning. Dr. Maria Montessori emphasized well on the importance/significance of a well-prepared classroom which will allow for easy exploration for child's natural development. Among many elements, natural light holds a central place. Along with thoughtful design decision, it is a practical necessity and it is an essential contributor to the physical & emotional well-being of children.

The Role of Natural Light in Child Development

Exposure to daylight supports the regulation of circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality and overall alertness. Studies have shown that children exposed to ample daylight during the day tend to be more attentive and demonstrate improved mood / behavior.

Cognitively, natural light can significantly boost concentration and academic performance. Classrooms with access to natural lighting report better reading outcomes and higher test scores. Emotionally, a well-lit space with natural sunlight can reduce stress and anxiety, creating a calm and peaceful environment ideal for Montessori learning.

Aligning with Montessori Principles

Montessori classrooms are well prepared to promote hands-on learning with collaborative play. With natural light and ambience, it becomes quite engaging and complementary.

• Respect for the Child: Natural light honors the child’s need for beauty, order, and calm. Bright, artificial lighting can be harsh and overstimulating, while daylight fosters a sense of comfort and serenity.

• Connection with Nature: Montessori education deeply values a child’s connection with the natural world. Natural lighting strengthens this connection by subtly integrating the rhythms of the day and the changing patterns of weather into the classroom experience.

• Encouraging Independence: A well-lit environment helps children roam around freely and make choices independently.

Design Strategies for Maximizing Natural Light

1. Large, Strategically Placed Windows
   One of the effective ways to invite natural light is through generous windows, especially on the east and south-facing walls to capture morning and midday sun. Windows should be placed at a child’s eye level, which will allow them to look outside and feel connected to the environment.

2. Use of Skylights
   Skylights are excellent ways for increasing the influx of natural light into central areas without compromising wall space which can be used for shelf space or wall mirror space.

3. Light-Reflective Surfaces and Color Palettes
   Light-colored walls, wooden floors, and minimalistic furniture helps to reflect and diffuse sunlight throughout the room. Natural materials, such as unfinished wood and neutral tones of soft furnishings, not only enhances the light but also aligns with Montessori’s philosophy of simplicity and authenticity.

4. Open Floor Plans and Low Shelving
   The open layout of a Montessori classroom—with low shelves allows light to flow freely across the space, eliminating dark corners and creating a more inviting atmosphere.

5. Flexible Use of Curtains and Blinds
   While natural light is beneficial, it’s important to control glare and excessive heat. Sheer curtains, bamboo blinds, or diffusing window films can help manage light without completely blocking it, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

Challenges and Considerations

Incorporating natural light can be limited by existing infrastructure, climate, or urban density. In such cases, schools may need to creatively adapt—using mirrored panels, reflective paint, or even scheduling outdoor learning times to supplement indoor daylight.

It’s also essential to balance natural light with temperature control, furniture placement, and the visual comfort of children. Too much direct sun can be distracting or physically uncomfortable, especially during warmer months.

Natural light is not simply an architectural feature—it’s a pedagogical asset in Montessori classroom design. By thoughtfully incorporating daylight into learning environments, we can make honour children’s health, learning, and emotional well-being.

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

How to Design Montessori Spaces for Different Age Groups

We at Atelier ARBO love to design educational spaces and designing Montessori spaces are very close to our heart. These spaces are not just about creating a space with minimalist furniture and natural materials, its about crafting an environment that supports a child’s independence, curiosity and love for learning. But what works for a toddler won’t necessarily suit a six-year-old. So, we have invested a lot of time into observing and learning from children and how they interact with their surroundings. Here are some design ideas which works well and can be adopted for designing children’s spaces.

 

A.     Infants (0 to 18 months): A world of Gentle Discovery

1.       Freedom of Movement

Montessori spaces encourage floor time, so a soft mat floor with low height mirror is great as an experiential item for children at this age.

 

2.       Visual Simplicity

Infants are sensitive to sensory overload, so by using calm colours and natural textures to create a peaceful atmosphere.

 

3.       Low Shelving

Low height shelfs with material for children to play with makes it quite easy for them to make the choice. This also allows them freedom to explore.

 

B.      Toddlers (18 months – 3 Years): A Stage for Independence

1.       Child size

If all the furniture and equipment can match up with the anthropometric size of children of this age bracket then it makes the space more adaptable and accessible for them. This helps in developing self-sufficiency and independence.

 

2.       Practical Life Areas

A water station, sweeping tools, or a place for dressing up helps toddlers practice real-life skills.

 

3.       Order and Accessibility

Open shelves with clear ordered organization and marking helps children to understand the order of the surrounding space. The cognitive memory of the child is

 

C.      Pre-Schoolers (3-6 years): The sensitive period for learning

1.       Prepared Environment

The classroom at this age resembles a small, curated world where everything has purpose. The same idea and philosophy can be replicated at home to clearly define spaces for reading, art, and hands-on work.

 

2.       Beauty and purpose

The overall aesthetics of the space matters, so we prefer to use natural wood material which is lighter in shade, coir, jute rugs, cushions, soft furnishings, elegant artwork and others to create a meaningful and serene space. Every artwork selected also has purpose as they are not very loud and, on the face, rather are very elegant art which shares story, colour, pattern and idea.

 

3.       Objects at Eye level

As the power of observation and absorption by a child a=in this bracket is immense we can only harness this by creating appropriate shelfs or spaces which keeps items of interests at there eye level. This makes it just appropriate for them to get attract to the material and begin self-exploration.

 

I guess the major intent is not to create distraction and calm spaces which has meaning and purpose for the users. This is where a prepared environment designed by a loving architect and a Montessori teacher comes together.

 

D.      Early Elementary (6 -9 Years): A space for Exploration & Big Ideas

1.       Flexible Work zones

At this stage, children need spaces to dive into deeper projects- whether ir’s writing, building or science experiments. We suggest including a large working table, with shelves and categorized materials will help. Also, there should be enough space to display items.

 

2.       Autonomy and collaboration

At this age children begin to collaborate more, so we try to design spaces which allows them to work together in large groups or as spaces which are convenient enough for them to work individually. The trick to avoid dead spaces and also to avoid any un-necessary distraction.

 

3.       Connection to Nature

Any space can do with some amount of plants which work well indoors. These are quite essential for children at this age as well. They do create the right balance between indoor space and outdoor.

 

4.       Accessible Items

Keeping supplies, like paper, scissors, magnifying glasses, or maps within reach in a properly organized space helps children to use them and also to place them back in the correct location. 

 

With our experience we have learnt that the best way to Design a Montessori space we need to “follow the child”. Whether we are designing for an infant or an eight-year-old child, we need to specifically observe their needs and interests. We are very invested into creating spaces which will support their needs and not in a controlling way and makes the flow of movement easy for them. And their growth. At Atelier ARBO , we design with this deep respect for children’s development, combining beautiful materials with purposeful function, because when a space is truly prepared, the child can flourish. 

Do write your thoughts at atelierarbo.india@gmail.com