Rethinking Hallways: How Spatial Design Can Make Everyday Life at Daycare More Relaxing

Hallways and entryways need to be versatile spaces. This is where children arrive, parents say goodbye, and information is exchanged; and often, the hallway also serves as both a coatroom and a play area. At the same time, children and adults need an environment that offers clear orientation and isn’t overwhelmed with stimuli.

A design that takes these needs into account and sets priorities helps reduce restlessness and stress. At the same time, new educational spaces for activities are created.

Our colleague Anja von Karstedt from the planning team at Kameleon Raumkonzepte invites us to rethink the hallway area. Using real-world examples, she demonstrates which spatial decisions are important and what design possibilities exist even beyond the primary architectural framework.

In the technical article we’re making available here, we address the question of why not everything has to be foldable and mobile, and we explore various furnishing details—from the information wall to the dining nook.

The original article appears in “Welt des Kindes” 4/2025 SPECIAL