GAM Montessori Retreat 2025

Space, design, and learning are deeply interconnected within the Montessori educational approach. Central to the discussions at the retreat is the book “Montessori Architectural Patterns”, which delves into the relationship between the environment, the child, and the educator.

At the core of Montessori’s architectural philosophy lies the concept of the “prepared environment.” For a child to feel secure, the space must be both recognizable and adaptable, enabling free movement and autonomy. When the environment aligns with the child’s needs, it fosters natural adaptation and growth.

Creating an effective educational space begins with thoughtful structural design that encourages orientation and safety. This is achieved through interconnected spaces - whether directional or centralized, large or small, high or low - designed to stimulate curiosity while supporting the child’s developmental and motor needs.

"The adult, the child, and the environment form a trinity. They should be considered as one."
(Maria Montessori – London Lectures, 1946, p. 213)