security — Cultivating Space

SECURITY

Sense of security is a basic human need that directly influences our ability to manage stress, focus, and regulate emotions.

In 1943, psychologist Abraham Maslow published A Theory of Human Motivation⁰²,where he first introduced his Hierarchy of Needs theory. Maslow’s theory suggests that all human behavior is motivated by five needs: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. He argues that these needs must be fulfilled in order of importance, beginning with the basic needs: physiological and safety, leading to psychological needs: social and esteem, and finally ending with self-actualisation. Self-actualization, such as personal growth, creativity, and ambition, can only be achieved once the basic and psychological needs are met.

“Practically everything looks less important than safety, (even sometimes the physiological needs which being satisfied, are now underestimated). A man, in this state, if it is extreme enough and chronic enough, may be characterized as living almost for safety alone.”⁰²

-Abraham Maslow

When we feel safe and secure, our brains are better equipped to focus, process information, and engage in learning.

This is because a foundational need is being met, allowing better access to higher-level cognitive functions, like planning, problem solving, memory and focus. The amygdala - responsible for processing fear and anxiety - is most impacted by a sense of security. In unpredictable or unsafe environments, the amygdala is constantly on high alert, making it difficult for our brains to maintain focus. Alternatively, a safe and secure environment can reduce stress on the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for comprehension, focus and cognition.

baukind, an architectural firm based in Berlin. specializes in designing environments specifically to meet the needs of children, promote movement and sensory experiences, and facilitate play. In their book, Designing Spaces for Children, founder Nathalie Dziobek-Bepler says:

“Children need spaces where they feel at ease and an environment that stimulates them in order to foster their personal development. Retreat and stimulation complement each other to form an overall structure that is openly organized and well structured, offering all children spatial orientation and an overview. Children's basic need for safety, protection and care must be fulfilled to enable children to explore their surroundings without fear and to experience a feeling of freedom.”⁰⁴

Safety and security is especially important for children, whose brains and nervous systems are still developing. Constant stress can have impacts on a child’s emotional regulation, behavior, and learning throughout their lives.

“School becomes the place where kids can have a meal, and attention, and people they can talk to. It is a place of refuge.” ⁰⁶ -Elva Rubio

Unfortunately, many students in the US are often reminded that their safety in school is not guaranteed. 95% of public schools in the US conduct lockdown drills multiple times a year.⁰⁷ In 2021, a Georgia Institute of Technology research team found that these lockdown drills increase stress, anxiety, and depression in students by about 40%.⁰⁸ This proves the importance of creating classroom environments where students feel physically and emotionally secure, so the classroom can offer a safe space where children can redirect their attention towards learning.

A sense of security in the classroom can be created by thoughtfully considering transition spaces, offering opportunities for both retreat and visibility, and building predictability through consistent routines and spatial cues.

In the supporting teacher’s survey for this manual, 40% of participants indicated that home life was the biggest distraction for their students.

In their book, baukind explains how to take advantage of transition spaces to help students mentally and emotionally shift into the school day, whether it be a hallway, coatroom, or doorway. Introducing a transitional buffer can help children release outside distractions and consciously prepare themselves to enter the classroom space. In many of baukind’s projects, the coatroom becomes an important space for students to say goodbye to their parents, remove their coats and store their belongings, and greet their friends and teachers. Consider the door into your classroom as a threshold from the unpredictable outside world, into a safe and controlled space for learning. A simple door mat, coat rack, or cubbies can indicate to students that they are entering a new space and help relieve stress.

In The Experience of Landscape (1975), Jay Appleton first describes the prospect-refuge theory, arguing that humans feel most safe in environments where they can observe their surroundings without being seen.⁰⁹ This may be the reason children are so drawn to treehouses! The KIKUMOTO preschool¹⁰ accomplishes this by arranging small wooden structures within an open space for students to sit on top of for an elevated view of the classroom, or retreat into for more privacy.

Even within a small space, you can arrange your classroom with lightweight furniture, curtains for implied reading corners, and bookshelves to offer students varying levels of privacy and opportunities for both prospect and refuge. Providing students the ability to choose where they feel most comfortable throughout the day will have a great impact on their sense of security and control in their learning space.

Finally, it is important to reiterate the role order plays in creating a safe learning environment. Children will feel more comfortable and secure in a classroom if they are aware of their place within the school. Consider including simple maps of the school on your wall, indicating where your class is in relation to bathrooms, exits, the cafeteria, or playground. Helping improve your students’ spatial awareness will ultimately boost their independence, reduce uncertainty, and foster a greater sense of security in the classroom.

As one teacher from the survey explains,

“Nothing impacts student success more
than feeling safe and comfortable.”

CULTIVATING SPACE

INTRODUCTION LIGHT

ACOUSTICS MOVEMENT

ORDER

OWNERSHIP

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research