Criterios para el diseño de patios escolares, en base al análisis de unidades educativas en el cantón Cuenca

Abstract

The following investigation studies the constructed space (schoolyard) of two schools in the city of Cuenca. The objective is to propose design criteria for school playgrounds that favor physical activity, based on the evaluation and beavior of children between 9 and 12 years old. The methodology of the study was based on the direct participation of children of the fifth, sixth and seventh grade of primary education. The project was divided into five stages. The first stage contained concepts of gray school and green school were defined according to the scholar context of the city of Cuenca. In the second stage, two case studies were determined under the parameters of walkability index, socioeco¬nomic level, spatial configuration and school category (gray or green). In the third stage, with the use study tools, the maps of the two schools were ela¬borated, open and punctual questions to children from 9 to 12 years of age. In the fourth stage, the obtained data was collected and processed. Finally, in the fifth stage the results of the study were expressed in an explanatory, percentage, and graphical way. The main results showed that the green area on the school grounds promotes outside activities and socialization in boys and girls from 9 to 12 years old. Thus enhancing active behavior and increasing the amount of physical activity during recess. Therefore, it proposes and applies design criteria for school playgrounds that contain necessary amount of green area to strengthen and promote the practice of these activities.