Involving architects in the design of built interventions can offer the necessary technical expertise to prevent risks, overcome limitations, and to know how spatial choices impact wellbeing. Spatial choices, such as the size of a room, openings such as doors or windows, the choice and placement of colours, all affect how people feel in a space. They play an important role and can have a direct impact on children’s wellbeing. In some cases, spatial choices can offer solutions to the challenges generated by displacement (see example 19).
Architects with knowledge of, and experience in, designing spaces for children can offer valuable contributions to the whole process. During the participatory design activities, architects may be able to judge if an idea can be implemented or not, and whether it adheres to standards and regulations. This could improve the final outcome and generate valuable knowledge exchange between the architects and other stakeholders involved, such as the local community.
For many organisations this expertise is not present among the staff, but could be added or sourced externally.