Iranian Sustainable Building Scientific Association International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability 2538-1628 7 2 2026 04 01 An Analysis of the Components of the Mobility Cycle and Naturalism in the Architectural Design of Educational Spaces in Girls’ Schools (Case Study: Lower Secondary Schools, Tehran city, Iran) 247 267 738695 10.22034/ijumes.2026.2091196.1370 EN Mina Gheisari Department of Architecture, Se.C., Islamic Azad University Semnan, Iran 0009-0008-6993-7965 Saeed Azemati Department of Architecture, ET.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-6410-6491 Gholamhossein Naseri Department of Architecture, Da.C., Islamic Azad University Damghan, Iran 0000-0002-8744-2893 Hossein Moradinasab Department of Architecture, Se.C., Islamic Azad University Semnan, Iran 0000-0002-5521-5848 Journal Article 2026 06 02 Nowadays, many educational environments designed with a child-centered approach especially in girls' elementary schools face significant functional challenges. Inefficient educational spaces that lack flexibility, spatial diversity, and compatibility with children's scale and psychological characteristics cannot provide an appropriate context for improving the quality of education. The aim of this study is to explain the role of design components of child-centered educational spaces based on enhancing mobility and nature-orientation in girls' elementary schools (first cycle) in Tehran city. The methodological approach of the study is survey-based, and data collection was conducted in two stages: first, through library research and a review of literature related to mobility, nature-orientation, and child-centered educational design; and second, through a field study using a closed-ended questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of 290 principals, teachers, and staff members of selected schools with more than five years of work experience. Participants were selected through cluster random sampling. The sample size was determined based on Klein's formula (2 to 5 participants for each questionnaire item). Data analysis was performed using factor analysis in R, Pearson correlation test, and structural equation modeling in AMOS software. The findings indicate that in the cycle of designing child-centered educational spaces, "mobility" and "nature-orientation" play key and determining roles. Designing dynamic spaces enriched with natural elements can enhance spatial diversity, social interaction, and physical movement. Accordingly, focusing on the creation of multi-functional, flexible spaces inspired by nature can increase opportunities for movement, experience, active learning, and environmental exploration among children. https://www.ijumes.com/article_738695_66b6523b20237b8a8b53e665126f0535.pdf