Last week, Catholics celebrated the feast of the Holy Family and Holy Innocents’ Day. These events come right smack in the middle of the season children love the most. So I decided to write about children… their needs and their influence on architectural design.
When we design homes or public structures, children’s needs are frequently and unfortunately neglected. This is because they are not always asked for their opinion. In an increasingly youthful society such as ours, we must now ensure that they are properly represented. Architects must be keen on this, particularly if it concerns safety and practicality.
A young student trapped inside a school toilet suffered a bad fall after trying to get out through a window because of a faulty doorknob. The use of heavy-duty lever locksets, though a little more expensive than conventional cylindrical doorknobs, or none at all, could have avoided this tragedy.
In homes, accidents usually occur in stairways. Here, function must govern over aesthetics. Stairways must not be too wide so that handrails are reachable from any point. Steps must be of non-slip material, with rounded nosing. The height of treads and risers must be uniform. Handrails must be small and low enough for children to hold onto with ease. Railings must be designed to prevent kids from slipping through and should discourage them from climbing over.
Indoors, safety factors must dictate the kind of floor finish to be used. Sharp corners must be avoided. Windowsill heights, electrical systems, water heating, and fire exits must all be designed with children, their limitations and needs, in mind.
Other than safety, design considerations must include practical storage for toys and gifts, space for a computer, study areas and books. Ideally, these should be built along the child’s dimensions.
Outdoors, parks must be planned with safety, followed by convenience, as the highest considerations. Play areas must be situated in such a way that kids will not be able to run directly onto the road. Swimming pools must be fenced-in, especially from areas beside playgrounds. Areas where toddlers could bike safely, or where strollers could go would be a welcome feature.
In new developments, the convenience and safety of the young family are now being addressed. You will begin to see Family Toilets with diaper changing facilities and dispensers. Now, father can be spared the embarrassment of taking his little daughter to use the men’s room. It is also more hygienic. I have three daughters; I know what a welcome improvement this is.
The point is: children dominate society. They will be around longer than we would and will use those facilities more. They are the future and our legacy. We must prepare for them and ensure their safety. God bless them.
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