COMPETING REQUIREMENTS WHEN PLANNING KINDERGARTENS; LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS' VIEW

Abstract

This study examines how landscape architects experience tensions
regarding legal confinements, their role in the planning process and
their views on their own contribution when planning new kindergartens
in Norway. The material was retrieved using a web-based questionnaire
sent to all practicing landscape architects in Norway.

This study finds the landscape architects to be child-centred and motivated
to perform planning and building management according to «best
practice» on behalf of children. Despite this base and support from a law
concerning kindergarten, the actual results at kindergartens are focused
less on designated space for play and child-centred philosophies than
on trivial functional requirements like parking and universal design.
The reason for this is that some functions in kindergarten planning are
required by law and strict guidelines, while outdoor play areas are not
protected in the same way but are merely planned by solicitation.