Application of Psychological Aspects in Design

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 9 views

Introduction

The orphanage plays a vital role as a child protection institution responsible for fulfilling children's rights and acting as a substitute for parents. However, in reality, many orphanages are not functioning properly, some are even illegal and uninhabitable. In the city of Medan, for example, many orphanages lack important facilities such as the health room, dining room, shared area, and interaction rooms for children. In addition, the existing orphanage design tends to be monotonous and does not pay attention to the psychological aspects and behavior of children. Therefore, it is essential to design an orphanage that feels like a "home" for children, where they can feel comfortable, valued, safe, and free to express themselves.

The concept of "The Meaning of Home" is the foundation in designing an orphanage. This concept emphasizes that the house not only functions as a place to reflect from the weather, but also must create a sense of ownership and identity for its residents. In the context of the orphanage, creating an environment that supports the social and emotional development of children is crucial. With the behavioral architectural approach, the orphanage design can be optimized to create positive interactions between children and the surrounding environment.

Orphanage Design Analysis

The importance of creating space that supports social interaction in orphanages can be observed from various aspects. Well-designed shared space not only functions as a gathering place, but also as a means to build relationships between children. This space can be a playground, study room, or activity area, all of which must be designed to stimulate communication and collaboration. Effective design of shared spaces can foster a sense of community and belonging among children, which is essential for their emotional and social development.

Furthermore, attention to natural lighting and ventilation is also very important in creating a healthy and comfortable atmosphere. Bright spaces and good air circulation can affect the mood of children and improve their mental health. The application of natural elements, such as green plants, can also provide fresh and soothing feel. Natural lighting and ventilation can also help to reduce stress and anxiety in children, creating a more peaceful and calming environment.

Application of Psychological Aspects in Design

Considering the psychological aspects of the orphanage design is another important step. Children who live in orphanages often experience trauma and a sense of loss. Therefore, it is essential to create space that can provide a sense of security and comfort. Child-friendly design, such as the use of bright colors and interesting decorative elements, can help create a positive atmosphere. Child-friendly design can also help to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress in children, creating a more welcoming and supportive environment.

Adequate personal space is also important to support the individual development of children. Although the orphanage is a place to live together, giving children space to have their personal belongings can increase the sense of belonging and reduce the sense of loneliness. Personal space can also help children to develop a sense of identity and self-esteem, which is essential for their emotional and social development.

Design Principles for Orphanages

Based on the concept of "The Meaning of Home" and the behavioral architectural approach, the following design principles can be applied to create an orphanage that feels like a "home" for children:

Create a sense of community: Design shared spaces that foster social interaction and a sense of belonging among children.
Provide natural lighting and ventilation: Use natural elements, such as green plants, to create a healthy and comfortable atmosphere.
Use child-friendly design: Incorporate bright colors and interesting decorative elements to create a positive atmosphere.
Provide adequate personal space: Give children space to have their personal belongings and develop a sense of identity and self-esteem.
Consider the psychological aspects: Design space that can provide a sense of security and comfort for children who have experienced trauma and loss.

Conclusion

The design of the orphanage by promoting the concept of "The Meaning of Home" is very important to create an environment that supports the growth and development of children. By applying the architectural approach of behavior, the orphanage design not only serves as a place to live, but also as a space that is able to provide a sense of security, comfort, and support social interaction. It is expected, with the right design, orphanages can be the second home for children, where they can grow and develop well, even though it is far from their parents.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis and design principles, the following recommendations can be made:

Conduct a thorough analysis of the existing orphanage design and identify areas for improvement.
Involve children and caregivers in the design process to ensure that their needs and preferences are taken into account.
Apply the design principles outlined in this paper to create an orphanage that feels like a "home" for children.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the design in creating a positive and supportive environment for children.

By following these recommendations, orphanages can be designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for children, where they can grow and develop well.

Q: What is the concept of "The Meaning of Home" in the context of orphanage design?

A: The concept of "The Meaning of Home" emphasizes that a house is not just a physical space, but also a place that creates a sense of ownership and identity for its residents. In the context of orphanage design, this concept means creating an environment that supports the social and emotional development of children.

Q: Why is it important to design an orphanage that feels like a "home" for children?

A: Designing an orphanage that feels like a "home" for children is essential because it provides a sense of comfort, security, and belonging. This can help children who have experienced trauma and loss to feel more at ease and develop a sense of identity and self-esteem.

Q: What are some key design principles for creating an orphanage that feels like a "home" for children?

A: Some key design principles include:

Creating a sense of community through shared spaces
Providing natural lighting and ventilation
Using child-friendly design elements
Providing adequate personal space
Considering the psychological aspects of the design

Q: How can orphanages be designed to support the social and emotional development of children?

A: Orphanages can be designed to support the social and emotional development of children by creating spaces that foster social interaction, provide a sense of security and comfort, and promote individual development. This can include designing shared spaces, providing natural lighting and ventilation, and incorporating child-friendly design elements.

Q: What role does behavioral architecture play in designing an orphanage that feels like a "home" for children?

A: Behavioral architecture plays a crucial role in designing an orphanage that feels like a "home" for children. By applying behavioral architectural principles, designers can create spaces that promote positive interactions between children and the surrounding environment, and support the social and emotional development of children.

Q: How can orphanages be designed to reduce stress and anxiety in children?

A: Orphanages can be designed to reduce stress and anxiety in children by incorporating design elements that promote relaxation and calmness, such as natural lighting and ventilation, and using child-friendly design elements.

Q: What are some benefits of designing an orphanage that feels like a "home" for children?

A: Some benefits of designing an orphanage that feels like a "home" for children include:

Improved social and emotional development
Reduced stress and anxiety
Increased sense of belonging and identity
Improved overall well-being

Q: How can orphanages be designed to support the individual development of children?

A: Orphanages can be designed to support the individual development of children by providing adequate personal space, incorporating child-friendly design elements, and promoting individual development through shared spaces and activities.

Q: What is the importance of involving children and caregivers in the design process of an orphanage?

A: Involving children and caregivers in the design process of an orphanage is essential because it ensures that their needs and preferences are taken into account. This can help to create a space that is tailored to the specific needs of the children and caregivers, and promotes a sense of ownership and identity.

Q: How can orphanages be designed to promote a sense of community among children?

A: Orphanages can be designed to promote a sense of community among children by creating shared spaces that foster social interaction, such as playgrounds, study rooms, and activity areas.