Evaluation of the architecture of an orphanage for orphaned children in the context of the reform of residential institutions (deinstitutionalisation concept)

On the basis of the analysis of more than a hundred projects that have been completed over the past four decades, the process of the transformation of the architecture of orphanages in the context of the deinstitutionalisation strategy was analysed. The analysis was based on a specially developed method of comparing environmental and peculiarities of fostering. The main goal of this method was to establish a connection between the effective methods of raising children and architectural form. In accordance with the structure of the plan, three types of orphanage have been identified – single, branched and dispersed.

As a result of the analysis, three factors were identified that contribute to the preservation of outdated methods of organising the architectural space of an alternative care institution for children. A number of design solutions have been identified that have significant potential for strengthening deinstitutionalized, child-centred educational practices that correspond to the best interests of the child.