A participatory design model for children to create natural playgrounds in kindergartens

Participatory studies become crucial in designing kindergarten spaces with children’s needs. The aim of this article is to present a participatory natural playground design model for kindergarten children, outlining the stages and techniques of the design process through a case study conducted in Türkiye. The unique aspect of the model is that it enables five-year-old kindergarten children to be the main actors in the design process. The study is based on a scientific research project conducted in collaboration with 20 five-year-old children from Bursa Uludağ University Kindergarten. A five-stage model was developed, incorporating workshops that utilized various techniques. To evaluate the case study, observations of children’s behaviors during the workshops were conducted, along with interviews with both the children and their teachers about the process. As a result of implementing the model, a natural playground design proposal reflecting the collective ideas of the children was successfully created. The model contributed to children in terms of fostering an interest in design practice, solving a site-specific design problem, effectively utilizing design techniques, successfully conducting and completing a participatory design process. In this context, the model appears to be both feasible and implementable, offering a participatory natural playground design process that can be adapted to various kindergarten settings.