Anaokulları İçin Açık Hava Sınıfı (AHS) Tasarım Modeli Geliştirilmesi ve Türkiye’ye Özgü Stratejilerin Belirlenmesi
Instructor: İlker Fatih Özorhon Researchers: Güliz Özorhon, Ebru Ergoz Karahan Advisors: Orhan Hacıhasanoğlu, İbrahim H. Acar, Ph.D., Mefharet Veziroğlu, Doğa Dinemis Aman The research project “Anaokulları İçin Açık Hava Sınıfı (AHS) Tasarım Modeli Geliştirilmesi ve Türkiye’ye Özgü Stratejilerin Belirlenmesi” focuses on enhancing the educational and spatial potential of kindergarten outdoor environments through the concept of the Outdoor Classroom. The project aims to define the physical and pedagogical characteristics required for outdoor classrooms by adopting a nature- and experience-centered approach and by bringing together insights from architecture, educational sciences, child development, and landscape architecture. At its core, the project seeks to develop a comprehensive AHS Design Model that articulates the design process across multiple layers, while also proposing methods and strategies for transforming existing kindergarten gardens into effective outdoor learning environments. By strengthening children’s interaction with nature, the project aims to enrich learning experiences, foster environmental awareness from an early age, and contribute to the development of responsible individuals committed to a sustainable future. In this respect, the study offers an original and context-specific model to support the quality of early childhood education in Turkey. Keywords: Kindergarten Gardens, Outdoor Classroom, Architectural Design, Nature–Experience Relationship, Turkey.