A Comprehensive Study on the Impact of the Scale of Learning Spaces on Happiness and Well-Being of Preschool Children with reference to two selected cases from Colombo, Sri Lanka

Childhood is concerned as the foundation of an adult. Therefore, providing of psychologically inspiring spaces for children is vital. The previous studies have been done related to happiness and well-being of preschool children, mostly focusing on the usage of colors, indoor environment quality, outdoor play spaces etc. But there is very limited evidence for studying the inter-connection between the scale of learning spaces and happiness and well-being of preschool children. Considering the research gap in the context of architectural design, this study was first of its kind to investigate the impact of scale of learning spaces, on the happiness and well-being (i.e., In related to PERMA profiler) of preschool children. Mosaic approach from Professor Allison Clerk was used to collect data for the research. Results revealed that large scale learning spaces generates high levels of PERMA profiler than small scale learning spaces. Large scale learning spaces support in generating engagement (79.3%), relationships (78.2%) and accomplished (74.3%) components in related to PERMA profiler. Small scale learning spaces aid in generating positive emotion (79.3%) and meaning (65.3%) components when considered in related to PERMA profiler. The recommendations provided based on the findings can be utilized to design future preschool learning spaces that promote high levels of happiness and well-being in preschool children.