SMARTER • FEATURE
Young urban planners CHILDREN HAVE AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN THE WAY FUTURE CITIES ARE DESIGNED Should children have a say in the
capable about thinking wholistically
as older people when mapping
way future cities are designed?
about what their community needs
their ideal community. They asked
We understand from research
to function well.
for health services and facilities
that the majority of children
One part of the study saw pre-
grow up in urban areas. But has
school children use picture tiles
anyone ever considered asking
to map their ideal community by
them how they imagine the ideal
selecting facilities and services,
urban environment for growing up healthy and staying socially connected? A study from New Zealand’s University of Otago did just that. Not only did the study determine that children have a great deal to contribute to urban planning
that stimulate mind and body, such as libraries, natural environments and gathering places. Results were interesting.
keeping it safe, healthy and fun.
Nearly 80% listed playgrounds
Another part of the study involved
supermarket in their design, 59%
the children taking research teams
as important, 66% included a included a hospital, 56% included
around their neighbourhoods to
police cars, 48% a fire engine and
provide insights into what they
41% a coffee shop.
liked and didn’t like about their local area.
Streetlights, pedestrian crossings and traffic lights were considered
debates, but they are intuitive
The findings showed that children
essential safety infrastructure
urban planners who are more than
considered their own needs as well
within these communities.
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SMARTER COMMUNITIES
