Designing the Environment to Care for the Child: From the Delivery Room to the Classroom

Silvia Moneti

doi:10.3280/pnei2026oa23954

Articles

Online First

Designing the Environment to Care for the Child: From the Delivery Room to the Classroom

Silvia Moneti^▸^▾

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3280/pnei2026oa23954
Submitted: ottobre 9, 2026
Published: 2026-10-16

Abstract

This contribution draws upon the concepts developed in the volume ArchiTherapeia. The Influence of Architecture on the Mind–Body PsychoNeuroEndocrineImmune (PNEI) System by Silvia Moneti, teacher architect, and holder of a Master’s degree in PsychoNeuroEndocrineImmunology and Integrated Care Science. The topics addressed herein were further explored during the SIPNEI–ELCA (Early Life, Childhood and Adolescence) precongress meeting, held in Rome on 23 May 2026 and dedicated to the theme Changing in Order Not to Succumb: Supporting Developmental Crises Through Resources and Opportunities.

Through a review of the scientific literature, this article examines the role of the built environment as a determinant of health and child development. The evidence reviewed demonstrates that specific design features, including acoustic quality, lighting, color, thermal and hygrometric comfort, and spatial organization, can influence neurobiological processes, sensory development, emotional regulation, learning outcomes, and social inclusion.

Particular attention is devoted to perinatal environments, neonatal intensive care units, educational settings, and design strategies aimed at supporting children with special needs.

The findings suggest that appropriate architectural design can positively influence the children’s mind–body PNEI system, positioning architecture as a genuine form of integrated therapy. These considerations highlight the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare professionals and design practitioners to promote wellbeing and support harmonious development from the earliest stages of life.

References

AA. VV. (2015). Disabilità sensoriali a scuola. Trento: Edizioni Centro Studi Erickson SpA.
AA. VV. (2019). Dizionario di Pedagogia Speciale. Brescia: Editrice Morcelliana.
Bass J. & Takahashi J.S. (2010). Circadian Integration of Metabolism and Energetics. Science, 330, 6009: 13491354. Doi: 10.1126/science.1195027
Bruni O., Sette S., Fontanesi L., Baiocco R., Laghi F. & Baumgartner E. (2015). Technology Use and Sleep Quality in Preadolescence and Adolescence. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 11, 12: 14331441. Doi: 10.5664/jcsm.5282
Caroselli F. (2012). “Il rischio rumore negli ambienti scolastici. Indagini in alcuni edifici d’istruzione della provincia di Roma”, Tesi di Laurea in Tecniche della prevenzione nell’ambiente e nei luoghi di lavoro. Roma: Università La Sapienza.
CodoñerFranch P. & Gombert M. (2018). Circadian Rhythms in the Pathogenesis of Gastrointestinal Diseases. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 24, 38: 42974303. Doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i38.4297
Costa M., Frumento S., Nese M. & Predieri I. (2018). Interior Color and Psychological Functioning in a University Residence Hall. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 158. Doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01580
Franklin A., Bevis L., Ling Y. & Hurlbert A. (2010). Biological Components of Colour Preference in Infancy. Developmental Science, 13, 2: 346354. Doi: 10.1111/j.14677687.2009.00884.x
Fredriksen K., Rhodes J., Reddy R. & Way N. (2004). Sleepless in Chicago: Tracking the Effects of Adolescent Sleep Loss During the Middle School Years. Child Development, 75: 8495. Doi: 10.1111/j.14678624.2004.00655.x
Fretti E. (2020). Il Metodo TEACCH per l’Autismo, testo disponibile al sito: www.psicoterapiascientifica.it (20.07.2025).
Giménez M.C., Geerdinck L.M., Versteylen M., Leffers, P. Meekes G.J.B.M., Herremans H., De Ruyter B., Bikker J.W., Kuijpers P.M.J.C. & Schlangen L.J.M. (2017). Patient Room Lighting Influences on Sleep, Appraisal and Mood in Hospitalized People. Journal of Sleep Research, 26: 236 246. Doi: 10.1111/jsr.12470
Graven S.N. (2000). The FullTerm and Premature Newborn. Sound and the Developing Infant in the NICU: Conclusions and Recommendations for Care. Journal of Perinatology, 20: 8893. Doi: 10.1038/sj.jp.7200444
Graven S.N. & Browne J. (2008). Auditory Development in the Fetus and Infant. Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, 8, 4. Doi: 10.1053/j.nainr.2008.10.010
Gruber R., Michaelsen S., Bergmame L., Frenette S., Bruni O., Fontil L & Carrier J. (2012). Short Sleep Duration is Associated with TeacherReported Inattention and Cognitive Problems in Healthy SchoolAged Children. Nature and Science of Sleep, 4: 3340. Doi: 10.2147/NSS.S24607
Hauck Y., Rivers C. & Doherty K. (2008a). Women’s Experiences of Using a Snoezelen Room During Labour in Western Australia. Midwifery, 24: 460470. Doi: 10.1016/j.midw.2007.03.007
Hauck Y., Summers L., White E. & Jones C. (2008b). A Qualitative Study of Western Australian Women’s Perceptions of Using a Snoezelen Room for Breastfeeding During their Postpartum Hospital Stay. International Breastfeeding Journal, 3: 20. Doi: 10.1186/17464358320
Haus E. & Smolensky M. (2006). Biological Clocks and Shift Work: Circadian Dysregulation and Potential Longterm Effects. Cancer Causes and Control, 17, 4: 489500. Doi: 10.1007/s1055200590154
Kreier F., Kalsbeek A., Sauerwein H. P, Fliers E., Romijn J.A. & Buijs R.M. (2007). Diabetes of the Elderly and Type 2 Diabetes in Younger Patients: Possible Role of the Biological Clock. Experimental Gerontology, 42, 1: 2227. Doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2006.07.004
Lan L., Wargocki P., Wyon D.P. & Lian Z. (2011). Effects of Thermal Discomfort in an Office on Perceived Air Quality, SBS Symptoms, Physiological Responses, and Human Performance. Indoor Air, 21: 376390. Doi: 10.1111/j.16000668.2011.00714.x
Mahoney M.M. (2010). Shift Work, Jet Lag, and Female Reproduction. International Journal of Endocrinology, 813764. Doi: 10.1155/2010/813764
Nasser K., Cahana C., Kandel I., Kessel S., & Merrick J. (2004). Snoezelen: Children with Intellectual Disability and Working with the whole family. The Scientific World Journal, 4: 500506. Doi: 10.1100/tsw.2004.105
Niessen F. (2006). Neurosensory Visual Development of the Foetus and Newborn and Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Archives de Pédiatrie, 13: 11781184. Doi: 10.1016/j.arcped.2006.06.003 Palmer S.E. & Schloss K.B. (2010). An Ecological Valence Theory of Human Color Preference. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 107, 19: 88778882. Doi: 10.1075/z.167.41pal
Robinson S. & Pallasmaa J. (2017). Mind in Architecture. Neuroscience, Embodiment and the future of design. Cambridge: The MIT Press.
Schopler E., Mesibov G.B. & Kunce L.J., eds. (1998). Asperger Syndrome or HighFunctioning Autism?. New York: Plenum Press.
Stevens R.G., Blask D.E., Brainard G.C., Hansen J., Lockley S.W., Provencio I., Rea M.S. & Reinlib L. (2007). Meeting Report: The Role of Environmental Lighting and Circadian Disruption in Cancer and Other Diseases. Environmental Health Perspectives, 115, 9: 13571362. Doi: 10.1289/ehp.10200
Wahl S., Engelhardt M., Schaupp P., Lappe C., & Ivanov I.V. (2019). The inner clock – Blue light sets the human rhythm. Journal of Biophotonics. Doi: 10.1002/jbio.201900102
Wilms L., & Oberfeld D. (2018). Color and emotion: effects of hue, saturation, and brightness. Psychological Research, 82: 896–914. Doi: 10.1007/s0042601708808
Wright N.E., Thislethwaite D., Elton R.A., Wilkinson E.M. & Forfar J.O. (1983). The Speech and Language Development of LowBirthWeight Infants. British Journal of Disorders of Communication, 18, 3: 187196. Doi: 10.3109/13682828309012241
Xiong L., Huang X., Li J., Mao P., Wang X., Wang R. & Tang M. (2018). Impact of Indoor Physical Environment on Learning Efficiency in Different Types of Tasks: A 3 x 4 x 3 Full Factorial Design Analysis. International Journal Environmental Research and Public Health, 15, 1256. Doi: 10.3390/ijerph15061256
Zauner J., Plischke H., Stijnen H., Schwarz U.T. & Strasburger H. (2020). Influence of Common Lighting Conditions and TimeofDay on the EffortRelated Cardiac Response. Plos One, 15, 10. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239553

Keywords

Architecture, Pnei, Child Health, Neuro-sensory Development, Therapeutic Environments, School Inclusion

How to Cite

Moneti, S. (2026). Designing the Environment to Care for the Child: From the Delivery Room to the Classroom. PNEI Review - Open Access. https://doi.org/10.3280/pnei2026oa23954

[1] AA. VV. (2015). Disabilità sensoriali a scuola. Trento: Edizioni Centro Studi Erickson SpA.

[2] AA. VV. (2019). Dizionario di Pedagogia Speciale. Brescia: Editrice Morcelliana.

[3] Bass J. & Takahashi J.S. (2010). Circadian Integration of Metabolism and Energetics. Science, 330, 6009: 13491354. Doi: 10.1126/science.1195027

[4] Bruni O., Sette S., Fontanesi L., Baiocco R., Laghi F. & Baumgartner E. (2015). Technology Use and Sleep Quality in Preadolescence and Adolescence. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 11, 12: 14331441. Doi: 10.5664/jcsm.5282

[5] Caroselli F. (2012). “Il rischio rumore negli ambienti scolastici. Indagini in alcuni edifici d’istruzione della provincia di Roma”, Tesi di Laurea in Tecniche della prevenzione nell’ambiente e nei luoghi di lavoro. Roma: Università La Sapienza.

[6] CodoñerFranch P. & Gombert M. (2018). Circadian Rhythms in the Pathogenesis of Gastrointestinal Diseases. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 24, 38: 42974303. Doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i38.4297

[7] Costa M., Frumento S., Nese M. & Predieri I. (2018). Interior Color and Psychological Functioning in a University Residence Hall. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 158. Doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01580

[8] Franklin A., Bevis L., Ling Y. & Hurlbert A. (2010). Biological Components of Colour Preference in Infancy. Developmental Science, 13, 2: 346354. Doi: 10.1111/j.14677687.2009.00884.x

[9] Fredriksen K., Rhodes J., Reddy R. & Way N. (2004). Sleepless in Chicago: Tracking the Effects of Adolescent Sleep Loss During the Middle School Years. Child Development, 75: 8495. Doi: 10.1111/j.14678624.2004.00655.x

[10] Fretti E. (2020). Il Metodo TEACCH per l’Autismo, testo disponibile al sito: www.psicoterapiascientifica.it (20.07.2025).

[11] Giménez M.C., Geerdinck L.M., Versteylen M., Leffers, P. Meekes G.J.B.M., Herremans H., De Ruyter B., Bikker J.W., Kuijpers P.M.J.C. & Schlangen L.J.M. (2017). Patient Room Lighting Influences on Sleep, Appraisal and Mood in Hospitalized People. Journal of Sleep Research, 26: 236 246. Doi: 10.1111/jsr.12470

[12] Graven S.N. (2000). The FullTerm and Premature Newborn. Sound and the Developing Infant in the NICU: Conclusions and Recommendations for Care. Journal of Perinatology, 20: 8893. Doi: 10.1038/sj.jp.7200444

[13] Graven S.N. & Browne J. (2008). Auditory Development in the Fetus and Infant. Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, 8, 4. Doi: 10.1053/j.nainr.2008.10.010

[14] Gruber R., Michaelsen S., Bergmame L., Frenette S., Bruni O., Fontil L & Carrier J. (2012). Short Sleep Duration is Associated with TeacherReported Inattention and Cognitive Problems in Healthy SchoolAged Children. Nature and Science of Sleep, 4: 3340. Doi: 10.2147/NSS.S24607

[15] Hauck Y., Rivers C. & Doherty K. (2008a). Women’s Experiences of Using a Snoezelen Room During Labour in Western Australia. Midwifery, 24: 460470. Doi: 10.1016/j.midw.2007.03.007

[16] Hauck Y., Summers L., White E. & Jones C. (2008b). A Qualitative Study of Western Australian Women’s Perceptions of Using a Snoezelen Room for Breastfeeding During their Postpartum Hospital Stay. International Breastfeeding Journal, 3: 20. Doi: 10.1186/17464358320

[17] Haus E. & Smolensky M. (2006). Biological Clocks and Shift Work: Circadian Dysregulation and Potential Longterm Effects. Cancer Causes and Control, 17, 4: 489500. Doi: 10.1007/s1055200590154

[18] Kreier F., Kalsbeek A., Sauerwein H. P, Fliers E., Romijn J.A. & Buijs R.M. (2007). Diabetes of the Elderly and Type 2 Diabetes in Younger Patients: Possible Role of the Biological Clock. Experimental Gerontology, 42, 1: 2227. Doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2006.07.004

[19] Lan L., Wargocki P., Wyon D.P. & Lian Z. (2011). Effects of Thermal Discomfort in an Office on Perceived Air Quality, SBS Symptoms, Physiological Responses, and Human Performance. Indoor Air, 21: 376390. Doi: 10.1111/j.16000668.2011.00714.x

[20] Mahoney M.M. (2010). Shift Work, Jet Lag, and Female Reproduction. International Journal of Endocrinology, 813764. Doi: 10.1155/2010/813764

[21] Nasser K., Cahana C., Kandel I., Kessel S., & Merrick J. (2004). Snoezelen: Children with Intellectual Disability and Working with the whole family. The Scientific World Journal, 4: 500506. Doi: 10.1100/tsw.2004.105

[22] Niessen F. (2006). Neurosensory Visual Development of the Foetus and Newborn and Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Archives de Pédiatrie, 13: 11781184. Doi: 10.1016/j.arcped.2006.06.003 Palmer S.E. & Schloss K.B. (2010). An Ecological Valence Theory of Human Color Preference. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 107, 19: 88778882. Doi: 10.1075/z.167.41pal

[23] Robinson S. & Pallasmaa J. (2017). Mind in Architecture. Neuroscience, Embodiment and the future of design. Cambridge: The MIT Press.

[24] Schopler E., Mesibov G.B. & Kunce L.J., eds. (1998). Asperger Syndrome or HighFunctioning Autism?. New York: Plenum Press.

[25] Stevens R.G., Blask D.E., Brainard G.C., Hansen J., Lockley S.W., Provencio I., Rea M.S. & Reinlib L. (2007). Meeting Report: The Role of Environmental Lighting and Circadian Disruption in Cancer and Other Diseases. Environmental Health Perspectives, 115, 9: 13571362. Doi: 10.1289/ehp.10200

[26] Wahl S., Engelhardt M., Schaupp P., Lappe C., & Ivanov I.V. (2019). The inner clock – Blue light sets the human rhythm. Journal of Biophotonics. Doi: 10.1002/jbio.201900102

[27] Wilms L., & Oberfeld D. (2018). Color and emotion: effects of hue, saturation, and brightness. Psychological Research, 82: 896–914. Doi: 10.1007/s0042601708808

[28] Wright N.E., Thislethwaite D., Elton R.A., Wilkinson E.M. & Forfar J.O. (1983). The Speech and Language Development of LowBirthWeight Infants. British Journal of Disorders of Communication, 18, 3: 187196. Doi: 10.3109/13682828309012241

[29] Xiong L., Huang X., Li J., Mao P., Wang X., Wang R. & Tang M. (2018). Impact of Indoor Physical Environment on Learning Efficiency in Different Types of Tasks: A 3 x 4 x 3 Full Factorial Design Analysis. International Journal Environmental Research and Public Health, 15, 1256. Doi: 10.3390/ijerph15061256

[30] Zauner J., Plischke H., Stijnen H., Schwarz U.T. & Strasburger H. (2020). Influence of Common Lighting Conditions and TimeofDay on the EffortRelated Cardiac Response. Plos One, 15, 10. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239553