The intent was to generate a ‘pattern language’ – a set of design principles for creating an

ideal environment for a child- friendly Anganwadi.

 

PATTERN 01 Location: ‘Where’ should one ideally locate the Anganwadi?

The ‘hub-and- spoke’ was proposed where the act of cooking food and distribution of Take Home-Ration happens at a ‘HUB’ : a designed space with the capacity for ancillary functions.

The ‘SPOKE’ Anganwadis then become small centres that cater only to the children through ‘activity areas’.

 

PATTERN 02 Quality of Space: What factors should one consider while designing an Anganwadi?

The team proposed five basic elements of such a space as: light, play, walls, views and volume / form.

 

PATTERN 03 A Social Space: Can an Anganwadi be a space for equality and breaking stereotypes?

‘Kitchen’, when placed as the ‘CENTRE’ of the Anganwadi, can break many stigmas.

 

PATTERN 04 Making of the Space: ‘How’ should one make an Anganwadi?

A participatory process that involve local communities in the building of an Anganwadi can foster a sense of ownership and pride even while giving employment to the local people in the process of construction.

 

PATTERN 05 Communicating what?: What should an Anganwadi centre communicate to the people?

The Anganwadi design should communicate safety, hygiene and quality to adults and parents, enthusing children through response to scale, colour and elements of play.

 

PATTERN 06 Program: What else can an Anganwadi do / be?

The anganwadi hours between 5 pm to 8 pm could be transformative in nature. Programmes like a community library, computer classes, language classes and vocational training can be added to the basic program of the centre.