O espaço doméstico como ambiente preparado para o desenvolvimento infantil

Abstract

The domestic environment is recognized as the first and foremost space for children’s learning and development, directly influencing their autonomy as well as their motor and cognitive skills. However, the prevalence of self-built housing in Brazil, carried out without technical planning, results in adult-centered homes that are minimally stimulating and that impose barriers to children’s integral development. In response to this gap, and considering that Montessori Theory proposes a “prepared environment” to foster autonomy, this research is situated within Architecture and Urbanism to materialize accessible guidelines for residential adaptation. The general objective of this work is to create a practical and accessible manual for families, based on Montessori principles, aimed at transforming the domestic environment into a space suitable for child development, with emphasis on safety, ergonomics, and autonomy. The methodology is qualitative in nature and combines three approaches: a literature review (for theoretical foundation), case studies (for analysis of practical applications), and a design proposition (consisting of the development of the manual). The study reinforces the role of Architecture as an active agent in human development by articulating concepts from pedagogy and ergonomics to create co-educating spaces. The resulting Practical Manual translates this academic knowledge into simple and applicable guidelines, democratizing access to design solutions that recognize the child as a legitimate user of space. It is concluded that preparing the home based on principles such as simplicity, order, accessibility, and beauty significantly contributes to improving domestic environments and to fostering children’s integral development, autonomy, and well-being.