years. It has also shown that this brain development is created through a wonderful dance between nature and nurture and we know that one of the key elements of nature is the physical environment in which a child lives. What are the building blocks of IEQ? IEQ is made up of 14 building blocks (see Figure 2). Each building block can positively influence an indoor space if: Each building block has been designed in the context of the other three indoor space pillars and That building block’s design supports the other building blocks within the IEQ pillar. For example, when windows are designed into a space, the solution should consider the nature of the activity in mind, how the space will be managed and maintained and the values of the centre. They should also consider ventilation, security and safety, acoustics, thermal comfort, beauty and culture, views to outside, airborne particulate control, odour control, daylighting, and fungi control. If all these factors are considered, you will create a beautiful human space e.g., St Kentigern Preschool. If one of these considerations is not factored in you will, over time, have issues within this space that will need to be addressed. A Room should consider ventilation, security and safety, acoustics, thermal comfort, beauty and culture, views to outside, airborne particulate control, odour control, daylighting and fungi control. (Saint Kentigern Preschool, Auckland. Photography Caroline Ducobu) Figure 2. IEQ is made up with 14 building blocks. What can you do to make your space a beautiful human space? ● Understand how your centre’s pedagogy and values support the physical and mental well-being of those within the space. ● Look for each of the IEQ building blocks in your centre. Understand how they work and how they impact each other as well as the other 3 key indoor space pillars. ● Integrate how the indoor environment of your centre works into the centre’s CPD programs and daily routines e.g., the use of windows to provide ventilation, the heat pumps to heat and cool a room, natural light vs artificial lighting and noise levels. ● Chat with your colleagues, parents, and children to see if they understand the pedagogy of the centre and if they have seen daily examples of how it is being practised. ● Ensure there is a good regular cleaning and maintenance program in place with clear ownership and an appropriate budget. Just like any good habit, add these into what you do every day keeping them practical and fun. Get your children involved so they too can learn the importance of a healthy space. Saint Kentigern Preschool, Auckland. Photography Caroline Ducobu March 2023 { 15 }
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