Abstract

Kindergarten toilet design influences children’s autonomy, hygiene behaviours, and psychological well-being. Yet systematic architectural evaluations in conflict-affected and developing regions remain scarce. This study conducts a comparative architectural audit of toilet facilities in ten kindergartens in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, assessing design features associated with child-centred principles. A literature-derived framework comprising four domains (Autonomy and Functionality, Health and Hygiene, Safety and Comfort, Aesthetics and Sustainability) was operationalised through 14 architectural indicators and assessed via a five-point rubric. Data sources included architectural drawings and systematic on-site observations. Overall design feature scores ranged from 3.1 to 4.3 (scale 1–5). While basic safety requirements were universally met, significant deficiencies emerged in inclusive design (accessible fixtures present in 3/10 facilities, 30%), advanced hygiene technologies (sensor-activated fixtures in 2/10, 20%), and aesthetic-environmental quality (mean score 2.4/5). Higher-scoring facilities demonstrated closer classroom-toilet proximity (≤6 m vs. >15 m) and distributed rather than centralised layouts. This study does not measure child outcomes or user experiences; it provides an architectural baseline. Current kindergarten toilet design in Erbil achieves functional adequacy but consistently fails to deliver inclusivity, technological innovation, and spatial quality. Policy revision beyond minimum compliance toward child-centred design standards is warranted, with priority given to accessible fixtures and classroom-adjacent layouts.

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