Strategies to Improve the Architectural Design for Kindergartens in Gaza Strip

Abstract

This research focuses on the current status of kindergartens in Gaza Strip with the aim of identifying problems and constraints related on the architectural situations and urban planning of these buildings. The research relied on the distributions of many questionnaires on a sample of kindergartens all over the Gaza strip provinces. The sample of the study represents about 24.5% of licensed kindergartens in Gaza strip. The folds of this research include many questions and inquire about 6 main topics related on general information about the architectural situations of kindergartens, site plan analysis, interior spaces such as classrooms and activities rooms in order to know the availability of equipment, sets and tools for education and entertainment inside. The questionnaire also study the exterior environment and site coordination to measure the level of garden services and playgrounds status. The questionnaire was ended by the evaluation of kindergartens finishing for ceilings, walls, and floors which lead to estimate the availability and quality of furnishing in the interior spaces. The study proves that the vast majority kindergartens in Gaza strip suffer from obvious shortage in the above mentioned subjects. It is in real need to new strategies and mechanisms in order to be improved and upgraded. To prove this result the research is provided with analytical study for a neighborhood in Al-Shiek Redwan district with estimated area of 2.855 km square. This area include about 35 kindergartens. The analytical study proves that there are many problems in the urban planning of these kindergartens and there is scattered distribution all over the selected area. To evaluate the architectural situations of kindergartens at this area, 3 buildings have been analyzed in terms of site plan, building area, orientation and accurate description of kindergarten's schematics. The outputs confirm the findings of the questionnaires too. In the other hand, the research include a comparison among these kindergartens according to the Palestinian terms at the ministry of education. Finally, proposals, mechanisms, case studies and design ideas are provided as recommendations and considerations for kindergartens in Gaza strip.