MIX & MATCH TOOLS TO DESIGN URBAN PLAY - Sukanya Krishnamurthy Chris Steenhuis Daniek Reijnders - Bernard van Leer Foundation
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SCHOOL
MIX & MATCH TOOLS TO DESIGN URBAN PLAY
Sukanya Krishnamurthy
Chris Steenhuis
Daniek Reijnders
Title: Mix & Match: Tools to design urban play
Authors: Sukanya Krishnamurthy, Chris Steenhuis, Daniek Reijnders
Research funded by the Bernard van Leer Foundation
www.bernardvanleer.org
MIX & MATCH
A catalogue record is available from the Eindhoven University of Technology Library TOOLS TO DESIGN URBAN PLAY
ISBN: 978-90-386-4496-7
Copyright © 2018 by Authors
Disclaimer
This publication on Child-Friendly Urban Design provides a toolkit of possible interventions for every day public space.
While every effort has been made to ensure the correctness of information used in report, the authors do not accept
any legal liability for the accuracy or inferences drawn from the material contained within. No part of this report may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or
by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission from the authors.
MIX & MATCH
TOOLS TO DESIGN URBAN PLAY
Creating inclusive spaces for all ages is central to a number
of urban agendas. Following the current trend of global
urbanisation cities are becoming principal contexts wherein
generations of children will thrive and grow. To support the
efforts of creating child-friendly urban environments, this
toolkit provides a start of possible design interventions to
create more inclusive play environments from the street to
the neighbourhood. Focused on the role the that urban plan-
ning and design can play in highlighting the agency, impact,
and habits of children on space, we aim for this to be used
as a guidebook for possible designs interventions, inspira-
tion, or as an evaluation handbook to assess what elements
of child-friendly environments are present, needed or even
absent.
IV 1
The toolkit is intended to inform and aide in the creation of task of creating communities where planning and design of
outdoor spaces of play, importance of creating urban green, child-friendly public spaces has a central role.
services for parents, creating communities of action, etc. It
is aimed at various stakeholders responsible for the wider The toolkit is composed of various components (or design
public realm including but not limited to, policy-makers, ideas) that when combined with other components can
designers, planners, architects, NGO’s, and residents. The lead to a spatial intervention focused on various types of
importance of integrating places to play within community play, formal or informal that can be citizen and government
spaces can play central roles in lives of children, youth, driven. Developed along various scales, micro (the street),
adults old and young. Ideally these should be spaces that meso (the neighbourhood) and macro (the city), they are
various age-groups enjoy spending time in, encourage thematically identified by alignment with interventions that
physical activity, create social communities, and importantly address play, green, or safety. Each of the interventions
feel safe and inclusive. shown here are only examples of possibilities and can be
combined with other components if needed.
Playing is essential to physical, social and cognitive devel-
opment of both children and young adults. Outdoor play is To plan and design for inclusive spaces that are exciting
particularly of importance given the various opportunities play areas for children of all ages, involves steps ranging
it presents, experiencing various environmental conditions from simple action (adapting what we have), to complex
including nature, freedom of movement, taking risks, deci- resource identification (who, what, why, how). By mixing and
sion making etc. The social value of play has been shown matching ideas ranging from DIY solutions to more elabo-
to have positive impacts on the child and the care-giver. rate urban interventions, the toolkit can be seen as a guide
Though research shows the urgency of acknowledging the to creatively engage with planning for child friendly environ-
role and importance of play, cities still have a monumental ments.
2 3
SCALE OF INTERVENTIONS
Possible levels of intervention
MICRO MESO MACRO
E.g. Street E.g. Neighbourhood E.g. City
4 5
TOOLKIT COMPONENTS 17 Playful street crossings 26 Cycle path network
MICRO SCALE 18 Junk yard playground 27 Pedestrian network
01 Playful street furniture 09 Shared space 19 Community garden 28 Public transportation routes
02 Sidewalk games 10 Alternating pavement 20 Seating possibilities MACRO SCALE
03 Street green 11 Narrowing: visual and physical 21 Free Wi-Fi zone 29 Family friendly city strategy
04 Social media community 12 Lighting 22 Coffee bar 30 Encouraging child participation
05 Natural play areas 13 Maintenance & awareness MESO SCALE
06 Temporary street closure 14 Living school grounds 23 Stroller friendly streets
07 Climbable objects 15 Use of semi-private spaces 24 Neighborhood child route
08 Street art 16 Flexible schoolyard 25 Designing for flexible use
6 71. SAFER STREETS 2. DIVERSE PLAYSCAPES
POSSIBLE SPATIAL INTERVENTIONS Neighborhood child route Climbable objects
The role that urban planning and design can Micro: The smallest level of possible intervention, Narrowing: visual and physical Junk yard playground
play in highlighting the validity and agency of e.g. street
children’s geography in planning processes is Meso: An intermediate level of interventions at Playful street crossings Designing for flexible use
vital within the changing profile of cities. It is the district or neighborhood level
however useful here to distinguish between the Macro: The highest and the most complex level Alternating pavement Natural play areas
following, role of urban planning and design can of intervention at the city level
play in highlighting the importance of children’s
geographies, the levels of possible interven- By combining various components, micro, meso, 3. PLAYFUL STREETS 4. SOCIAL STREETS
tions, bottom up and top-down, and accommo- and macro, the toolkit presents possible inter-
dating for changing demographics in cities. ventions to achieve child-friendly public spaces. Playful street furniture Social media community
A few possible combinations and results are
This can be seen through the issues raised on outlined to showcase how micro, meso, and Street art Temporary street closure
repeated concerns regarding safety, awareness, macro components can come together.*
maintenance, and more family friendly spaces,
Temporary street closure Maintenance & awareness
which can be addressed at various scales and * These combinations are only examples and the
levels of interventions: individual components can be integrated differ-
Sidewalk games Lighting
ently.
8 95. RECLAIMING PUBLIC SPACE 6. MULTI-FUNCTIONAL USE 9. EASY ACCESS 10. SERVICES FOR CHILDMINDERS
Shared space Flexible schoolyard Shared space Seating possibilities
Community garden Use of semi-private spaces Cycle path network Free Wi-Fi zone
Temporary street closure Climbable objects Public transportation routes Coffee bar
Street green Sidewalk games Pedestrian network Stroller friendly streets
7. CONTACT WITH NATURE 8. CHILD POLICIES
Natural play areas Family friendly city strategy
Living school grounds Maintenance & awareness
Community garden Neighborhood child route
Street green Encouraging child participation
10 1100 Type of space
? HOW TO READ THE TOOLKIT? Schematic interpretation of the intervention
Short description of the component Street Greenscape Playscape
Interventions on the level of the smallest,
Scale Compatible components
largest or in between scale
Domain Physical intervention, social or policy based Component #1 Why? How?
DIY Government
Short background why this intervention is Description how this intervention can be
Complexity Component #2 relevant realized
0-4 10-14 Adult
Age group Component #3
5-9 15-19
Theme(s) Correlating theme(s) from pages 9-11 Component #4
Other components that can easily be
Example Selected places where the intervention can part of this intervention
be found
12 13MICRO SCALE
The smallest level of possible intervention, E.g. street, in front of your house
14 1501
PLAYFUL STREET FURNITURE
Sit in front of your house
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial Street art Why? How?
Streets are potential places for children to learn In more Congregational spaces of play, picnic
Complexity Temporary street closure
and play. Research identifies adding street tables can be added. Possible elements
furniture around the neighbourhood could of urban furniture include, wooden pallets,
Age group Sidewalk games
facilitate observing children at play. Adding a benches with multiple functions, meeting
bench between the street and home can play bowls etc. These items can also become play
Theme(s) Playful streets Seating possibilities two functions, a buffer between private and elements, so think of adding colourful and
public functions, and increase opportunities to playful pieces.
Example Meeting bowls, New York (USA) connect with neighbours and others children.
16 1702
SIDEWALK GAMES 7 8
Take ownership your sidewalk by encouraging play 6
4 5
3
2
1
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial / Social Playful street furniture Why? How?
Outside play is not restricted to designated Take ownership of the sidewalk and reclaim it
Complexity Street art
play spaces only, but should extend to public by playing small games. Chalk lines can be
space at large. Playing games on the sidewalk drawn on the sidewalk to play hopscotch. Or
Age group Temporary street closure
encourages more types of social play, intro- replace a regular paving stone for a paving
duces a larger variety of play themes, and stone with a little dimple to play marbles -
Theme(s) Playful streets, Multi-functional Use of semi-private spaces increases social interaction. Sidewalks also bought at the DIY-store. The sidewalk can be
use of space
provides access to all children to use it as a much more than just a place for pedestrians to
Example Colourful Crossings, London (UK) Climbable objects play space. go from A to B. Make it your playground!
18 1903
STREET GREEN
Bring (small scale) greenery to your street
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial Natural play areas Why? How?
Literature shows that the design and Greening the street can start with the residents
Complexity Living school grounds
management of urban green does not always themselves, by replacing the paving stones
reflect the needs and preferences of children. in front of homes with natural lawns, plants
Age group Community garden
Underlining this, neighbourhoods residents or by hanging flower boxes out of windows.
plea for small scale greening. The importance On a municipal level larger trees and plants
Theme(s) Contact with nature, Reclaiming Shared space of turning hard grey urban spaces to softer, can be planted on the sidewalk creating a
public space
natural aesthetics is vital. green canopy, providing shade and a green
Example Mission Green Delhi, Delhi (IN) Temporary street closure neighbourhood environment.
20 2104
SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNITY
Keep in contact with other residents through social media PING!
...
... ...
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Social Temporary street closure Why? How?
Citizens aspire to live in locations that are Various online platforms are available to create
Complexity Maintenance & awareness
physically and socially attractive. To create a communities - they vary from messaging
community, individuals need to feel connected services like WhatsApp to platforms that
Age group Lighting
and this can encouraged through activities on facilitate a shared neighbourhood economy like
a locations. Next to neighbourhood associa- Peerby. Closeby living nanny’s can be found
Theme(s) Social streets Free Wi-Fi zone tions, online neighbourhood communities are easily, and that neighbourhood barbecue can
also on the rise. The use of social media can be organized by getting everyone together
Example Peerby platform (Various countries) further improve existing connections, while through WhatsApp or lending a barbecue
also creating a neighbourhood watch. through Peerby.
22 2305
NATURAL PLAY AREAS
Facilitating play in green environments
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial Climbable objects Why? How?
Children’s access to local green spaces Simple elements like a climbing tree, or creating
Complexity Designing for flexible use
supports healthy development, physically a natural slope offer limitless possibilities for
active free play and awareness for the environ- children to play. Creating ground modelling
Age group Living school grounds
ment. Natural play areas are more suitable for (gentle slopes), fast growing planting that are
different age groups and offer another type native and resilient, using trunks of fallen trees,
Theme(s) Contact with nature, Diverse Community garden of play-space and meeting space. Creating boulders, shallow ditches that catch water are
playscapes
softer alternatives to urban landscapes. some examples.
Example Tumbling Bay Playground, London Street green
(UK)
24 2506
TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE
Temporary space for play
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial / Social Social media community Why? How?
Streets safety is a repeated concern for While the municipality needs to approve
Complexity Playful street furniture
families in urban areas. A temporary solution is temporary street closures, residents can
the closure of a street for a day (once a month actively participate in street activities. Rent
Age group Sidewalk games
for example) to create a play-street. Due to its a jumping castle for the children, organize
temporary nature residents can be stimulated classic jeu-de-boules competition with the
Theme(s) Social street, Reclaiming public Street art to create a festive day to set an example for neighbours, have a street barbecue, let
space. Playful streets
alternate possibilities. children create street decoration, the possibili-
Example Playing Out initiative, Bristol (UK) ties are endless!
26 2707
CLIMBABLE OBJECTS
A tree, piece of art and other equipment to climb on
Scale Micro Compatible components
Why? How?
Domain Spatial Junk yard playground Any object can become an element to Though anything can become a climbable
scramble up on: a piece of art in the park, object in theory, it is the multi-functionality of
Complexity Designing for flexible use some steel objects on the sidewalk, a tree. these objects that facilitate play. A piece of art
For children, climbing on objects is more than along the sidewalk can be (when designed
Natural play areas just fun. Scaling an object teaches them vital to) both a piece of art or a play element. By
Age group
lessons, such as dexterity, risk assessment, placing a tree whose branches spread out
Diverse playscapes, focus and planning. They have to decide how instead of only vertically, the tree becomes
Theme(s) Sidewalk games
Multi-functional use of space high they’re comfortable to climb and find the a multi purpose element: it not only provides
best way to get there. the basic features shade, green, etc., but it
Example Crabapple Trees, Corkscrew willow
also becomes an adventurous, natural play
element.
28 2908
STREET ART
Color up your environment
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial Playful street furniture Why? How?
Street art can change communities perspec-
Complexity Temporary street closure
tive of their surrounding environment. Visually Occupy or identify a piece of property (school
by using street art, communities can merge walls, playgrounds), and explore the world
Age group Sidewalk games
creativity and culture, express communi- of urban art. This can be done by involving
ty concerns, wishes, wants, and captures children of all ages through class projects,
Theme(s) Playful streets people’s imagination. after-class activities etc. These art installations
can also be changed periodically. Examples
Example Street art in George Town, Penang include, street murals, graffiti, decorating
(MY); Streetart, Bogata (CO) street furniture and painting way finding signs.
30 3109
SHARED SPACE
Spatial quality and democratic use of space
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial Pedestrian network Why? How?
A recurring observation within urban communi- As an urban planning approach, shared space
Complexity Street green
ties is the amount of cars on the street and the aims to minimise the segregation between
attitude of the drivers. When streets are not vehicular traffic and pedestrians. By eliminat-
Age group Cycle network
considered safe to play in, less play happens ing surface marking, signs, lights, kerbs etc.,
on streets. One way to increase safety levels the approach advocates for higher awareness
Theme(s) Reclaiming public space Stroller friendly streets and at the same time improve the walk-abili- of road users and reduction in car speeds. The
Easy access
ty streets is through the introduction of shared responsibility of safety is shared with the aim
Example New Road, Brighton (UK) space concepts. to give street space back to various activities.
32 3310
ALTERNATING PAVEMENT
Informal demarcation of space
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial Neighborhood child route Why? How?
Creating playful patterns through colourful Traffic safety and awareness levels can be
Complexity Narrowing: visual and physical
tiling on the sidewalk can visually create addressed in many ways, one of the easier DIY
multiple areas, to walk and play. Paint, chalk solutions is creating awareness through design
Age group Playful street crossings
marking etc. can create visual cues to make interventions. Informal demarcations of space
drivers more aware of their environment. within pavement areas through alternating
Theme(s) Safer streets tile patterns, using colours within pavements,
painting, greening etc.
Example Le Medi, Rotterdam (NL)
34 3511
NARROWING: VISUAL AND PHYSICAL
Smart design for traffic safety
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial Neighborhood child route Why? How?
The attitude of drivers is an important determi- Physical narrowing and improving pedestrian
Complexity Playful street crossings
nant when trying improving the traffic safety. movement can be done in various ways, trees
Physically and visually narrowing the street can and shrubs, street painting, urban furniture, or
Age group Alternating pavement
help to reduce the speed of drivers. using creative ways to cover the street, e.g.
umbrella project.
Theme(s) Safer streets
Example Umbrella sky project, Namur (BE)
36 3712
LIGHTING
Illuminating the neighborhood
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial Social media community Why? How?
Perceived safety especially from dusk till dawn Adding better street and floor lighting is a
Complexity Temporary street closure
is a point of concern for residents. Walking solution that can have immediate effect.
around the neighbourhoods with young Through the use of adaptive and LED
Age group Maintenance & awareness children in the evening in badly lit places lighting, neighbourhoods can create special
deters exploration and play after dark. atmospheres and increase safety. One could
Theme(s) Social streets also think of creating an illuminated path (with
various colours) along the child route, resulting
Example City Touch lighting, Jakarta (ID) in a pleasant route by day and night.
38 3913
MAINTENANCE & AWARENESS
Keeping the neighborhood clean
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Government / Social Lighting Why? How?
Concerns related to dirty and depreciated Both the residents and governments can
Complexity Social media community
play equipment, pet faeces in play spaces, contribute to maintaining a clean neighbour-
old sidewalks and general neglect of play hood. Municipalities can provide designated
Age group Temporary street closure
equipment and play spaces can be deterrents pet places, repeated maintenance of play
to play. Clean streets, attractive open and green equipment and the sidewalk (replace broken
Theme(s) Child policies, Social streets spaces, well maintained signs, buildings, and pavement tiles). Residents can individually or
roads all contribute to high spatial qualities of collectively actively contribute by maintaining
Example Buiten Beter application (NL) a neighbourhood. the sidewalk in front of their house, picking up
after pets, cleaning their yards or gardens, etc.
40 4114
LIVING SCHOOL GROUNDS SCHOOL
Bringing nature and play to school
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial Natural play areas Why? How?
Living school grounds are richly layered Greenification of the school yard is an ongoing
Complexity Community garden
outdoor environments that aim to strength- trend around the world, which serves as a
en local ecological systems. They are also great example of facilitating the conversion of
Age group Street green
learning resources for children that foster grey areas to green. This can be done through,
exploration and adventure, and provide a wide natural carpets, boulders, tree trunks, mounds,
Theme(s) Contact with nature range of play opportunities. and natural play surfacing. These can become
diverse play environments and educational
Example Green schoolyards America, spaces.
Berkeley (USA)
42 4315
USE OF SEMI-PRIVATE SPACES
Play in an protected environment
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial Flexible schoolyard Why? How?
Semi-private spaces are transition spaces Semi-private spaces can be opened up for
Complexity Climbable objects
between private and public spaces. These the residents of the neighbourhoods. Internal
can include, internal courtyards, lobbies, etc. courtyards can become safe spaces for play
Age group Sidewalk games
The use of these spaces can be intensified by for children. This can be done for example
increasing possibilities for play, recreation and by, opening them at specific times during the
Theme(s) Multi-functional use of space meeting. Importantly, these spaces can have week, creating a network of courtyards for
good line of sight for the parents with younger alternate use.
Example Neighborhood Detective Public children.
Space Cards, Barcelona (ES)
44 4516
FLEXIBLE SCHOOLYARDS
A schoolyard that has flexible accessibility
40
Scale
Domain
Complexity
Micro
Spatial
Compatible components
Use of semi-private spaces
Climbable objects
Why?
30
School yards are locations that are only used at
certain times of the day and mostly only during
How?
An example of such a flexible solution is found
in Roombeek (Enschede, NL). It is a shared
weekdays. School yards have a potential to space with multi-functional use: for picking
Age group Sidewalk games
become much more than just playgrounds and dropping of kids and as a playground that
during school hours. For example they can be can also be accessed in the weekend. This
Theme(s) Multi-functional use of space opened up for bringing and dropping of kids at requires collaboration between school authori-
school, play spaces in the weekend, etc. ties, parents and municipalities with regards to
Example OBS Roombeek, Enschede (NL) maintenance, safety, costs etc.
46 4717
PLAYFUL STREET CROSSINGS
Cross the road in a playful way & increasing awareness
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial Neighborhood child route Why? How?
Mundane street crossings can become pieces Cities today are actively aiming to improve
Complexity Narrowing: visual and physical
of art or stories or even invite you to explore the their neighbourhoods through a multitude
wider neighbourhood. By creating interesting of interventions. Streets crossings can be
Age group Alternating pavement
street crossings, neighbourhoods can increase community projects, art installations by famous
their aesthetic appeal, benefit pedestrians and artists, or children’s school projects. The scale
Theme(s) Safer streets raise awareness. and scope depend on its residents.
Example Colourful Crossings, London (UK)
48 4918
JUNK PLAYGROUND
Playground for creative forms of play
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial Climbable objects Why? How?
Originating in the mid-twentieth century in Identifying an optimal location and creating
Complexity Designing for flexible use
Denmark, junk playgrounds have gained a junk playground with minimum investment:
global popularity. Encouraging undirected play junk, tools, physical space, and trained “play
Age group Natural play areas
and aimed at developing the 4C’s, communi- workers” will act as lifeguards. Old doors, lawn
cation, collaboration, critical thinking, and chairs, old exercise equipment, boats, wooden
Theme(s) Diverse playscapes Coffee bar creativity, these spaces are powerful learning planks, sewage pipes, anything unused can
environment. become a part of undirected play.
Example Emdrup Junk Playground,
Copenhagen (DK)
50 5119
COMMUNITY GARDEN
Reclaiming space through urban gardening
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial / Social Shared space Why? How?
Community gardens are lands that are Identifying a group of people in the neighbour-
Complexity Temporary street closure
gardened collectively by a group of people. hood interested in creating communi-
Generally developed in unused land and ty gardens, outlining available resources,
Age group Street green
space, community gardens aim to raise identifying a possible locations, organizing
awareness of food production, health and the process, identifying the role of children in
Theme(s) Reclaiming public space Coffee bar wellness while also performing educational gardening, and creating a vested community.
functions for children and adults.
Example Hortas Cariocas, Rio de Janeiro
(BR)
52 5320
SEATING POSSIBILITIES
Have a seat while watching the children play
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial Playful street furniture Why? How?
Parents are mostly not as active as their Larger seating elements can be provided by
Complexity Shared space
playing children, and seating can make the the municipality or neighbourhood boards,
wait comfortable. Seating can have multiple like benches or picnic tables. Seating can
Age group Designing for flexible use
purposes, spaces to wait, meet other parents, vary from a luxury chair to just a stone wall at
can also act as climbable objects, etc. the edge of the playground. Simpler options
Theme(s) Services for childminders include collecting a few folding chairs and
placed around play areas or even bringing
Example Salamander Playground, Quebec your own folding chair to the park!
(CA)
54 5521
FREE WI-FI ZONE
Free use of Internet
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Social Social media community Why? How?
While children enjoy the playgrounds and By creating Wi-Fi hotspots around child-ori-
Complexity Playful street furniture
make new friends, parents watching their ented places that provide free use of Internet
children can use this time to catch up on fits into a number of urban agendas. While
Age group Lighting work or the news, or check social media. This these facilities are provided by municipalities,
creates amicable waiting environments for encouragement by the residents can push
Theme(s) Services for childminders Coffee bar parents, and can further encourage the use of these ideas. Providing services in multiple
neighbourhood spaces by different ages. locations can initiate more frequent use of
Example Brisbane Parks, Brisbane (AU) outdoor spaces.
56 5722
COFFEE BAR
Refreshments for parents and children
coffee
coffee
Scale Micro Compatible components
Domain Spatial / Social Designing for flexible use Why? How?
Our research showed that when thinking of play Providing a coffee pick up point or a terrace
Complexity Pedestrian network
spaces the interests of childminders are often that overlooks the children playing can make
overlooked. Playgrounds can be designed as playgrounds much more attractive to childmin-
Age group Junk yard playground multi-functional spaces that do not only allow ders. While accompanying their children they
for play but also serve a location for informal can have a cup of coffee and chat up with
Theme(s) Services for childminders Temporary street closure gatherings. Public places like café’s, food other parents or other interested residents.
trucks etc. can provide an excellent opportu- By providing opportunities to drink or eat, it
Example Cafe at Tumbling Bay Playground Free Wi-Fi zone nity for childminders to meet and enjoy a cup/ encourages people to spend more time at the
(London, UK) snack while waiting for their children. playground before going home.
58 59MESO SCALE
An intermediate level of interventions at the district or neighborhood level
60 6123
STROLLER FRIENDLY STREETS
Easy accessible streets for strollers
Scale Meso Compatible components
Domain Spatial Neighborhood child route Why? How?
Research showed that navigating through the Removing unnecessary objects can help
Complexity Pedestrian network
neighbourhood with a stroller can be problem- to reduce the number of obstacles with
atic. The sidewalk can be filled with obstruc- neighbourhood walkways. Furthermore a flat
Age group Shared space
tions like garbage containers and bicycle surface with lowered sidewalk curbs can make
racks. Absence of slopes on pavement can walks with the stroller easier. Conditions like
Theme(s) Services for childminders Narrowing: visual and physical also decrease the accessibility of the streets. these also benefit children with roller-blades
and wheelchairs for example, and older
Example Global Street Design Guide (Global) demographies.
62 6324
NEIGHBORHOOD CHILD ROUTE
A safe traffic route that connects facilities for kids
Scale Meso Compatible components
Domain Spatial Playful street crossings Why? How?
A safe route for children that encourages The Kindlint in Amsterdam and Eindhoven
Complexity Alternating pavement
independent mobility through the neighbour- are examples of neighbourhood child routes.
hood is often missing. Schools, play areas, It includes, painted sidewalks and streets,
Age group Family friendly city strategy
the park for example are spatially disconnect- sidewalk games, climbable objects, greenery,
ed from each other, creating a barrier to go narrowing of streets, creating a safe route for
Theme(s) Safer streets, Child policies Stroller friendly streets independently from one to another for children. children to move independently through the
neighbourhood.
Example Kindlint, Amsterdam (NL) Pedestrian network
64 6525
DESIGNING FOR FLEXIBLE USE
Diversification of playgrounds
Scale Meso Compatible components
Domain Spatial Climbable objects Why? How?
Designing playscapes for various abilities Identifying current and future needs of the
Complexity Junk yard playground
rather than age, can include elements for community is key. Playable spaces are
both younger and older children, without many, and can include formal and informal
Age group Natural play areas
being prescriptive on age or who uses what. features where needs of all users are respect-
By being flexible on the design of various ed and accounted for. Specific elements
Theme(s) Diverse playscapes elements, settings, context, available facilities, include: creating boundaries, inclusive play
playscapes can cater to multiple ages (young equipments, planting, surfaces, etc.
Example Katanning all ages playground, children to young adults).
Katanning (AU)
66 6726
CYCLE ROUTES
Creating cycling routes through the neighborhood
Scale Meso Compatible components
Domain Spatial Shared space Why? How?
Providing space for cycling creates efficient Creating cycling routes through neighbour-
Complexity Public transportation routes
and attractive places to live, and many cities hoods and cities can be done through various
around the world are capitalizing on the ways. Some important factors include, making
Age group Pedestrian network resurgence of the cycle. Offering attractive space for cyclists, identifying user needs and
streets-capes, alternate mobility options, experiences, taming traffic, visibility, becoming
Theme(s) Easy access economics of land, inclusiveness, healthy a part of the urban street network, separat-
lifestyles, the benefits of cycling are many. ing traffic, technical requirements of the path,
Example CycleCities project, Lisbon (PT) signage, and maintenance.
68 6927
PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
Linking slow traffic in the neighborhood
Scale Meso Compatible components
Domain Spatial Shared space Why? How?
Traffic safety and the relation between children The pedestrian street provides a conflict
Complexity Cycle path network
and automobiles is a reoccurring topic of free zone in front of the house. Entrances to
concern. An often mentioned improvement is the houses are located directly on the street.
Age group Public transportation routes to make streets car-free. One way to do this Young children can specifically benefit from
is complete separation of the two by creating this as they can play directly in front of their
Theme(s) Easy access Stroller friendly streets zones only designated for slow and specific home. Creating space for vibrant family-friend-
times for fast traffic. The pedestrian street is an ly activities on streets.
Example Pedestrian Network Analysis example of such a design intervention.
Project, Portland (USA)
70 7128
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Public transport adjusted for children’s destination SCHOOL
Scale Meso Compatible components
Domain Spatial Shared space Why? How?
Development of an adequate and accessi- Access to various facilities and activities aimed
Complexity Cycle path network
ble public transportation system is essential at children and their parents can be support-
for achieving regional sustainability. Family ed by a network of public transportation and
Age group Pedestrian network friendly infrastructure needs to include access bus stops close to these activities. Creative
to amenities within and outside the neighbour- bus stops can make street-side waiting fun
Theme(s) Easy access Free Wi-Fi zone hood, and public transportation can play a key for families with children and create more
role. inclusive neighbourhoods. These can also
Example Julie © (Creative bus stops, act as markers as signage for child-friendly
various cities in the Netherlands) activities.
72 73MACRO SCALE
The highest and the most complex level of intervention at the city level
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FAMILY FRIENDLY CITY STRATEGY
Designing the city and its public space with children in mind
Scale Macro Compatible components
Domain Governance Maintenance & awareness Why? How?
Cities are growing in attraction for families A family friendly strategy starts with various
Complexity Neighborhood child route
with children, renewing interests in child public and private stakeholders; governments,
geographies. Cities are now responding to developers, NGO’s, residents. Strategies
Age group Encouraging child participation
this growing trend by actively looking at family can take various forms, Rotterdam (NL) is a
friendly developments. Though there is a successful example in developing and evaluat-
Theme(s) Child policies long way to go to create family friendly cities, ing Child Friendly Cities, creating child-friendly
incremental shifts can create more awareness. housing estates as seen in Vancouver (CA).
Example Child Friendly Strategies, family- Incremental steps towards a larger strategy
friendly housing, Vancouver (CA) can enable Child Friendly Cities.
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ENCOURAGING CHILD PARTICIPATION
CITY
HALL
Creating places that belong to children by children ...
... ...
Scale Macro Compatible components
Domain Governance Family friendly city strategy Why? How?
Children are often overlooked when it comes to Cities can apply precise policies to make the
Complexity Maintenance & awareness
decision making. Adults decide for children involvement of adults and children an inherent
what needs to be done or how it should look part of the planning process. Urban design can
Age group Neighborhood child route like. The rich local knowledge of children and also benefit from the involvement of children.
families often remains an untapped source of Designers asking children what their environ-
Theme(s) Child policies information. ment should look like can result in fruitful and
creative outcomes, maps, stories, visuals, etc.
Example City council for kids, Tirana (AL) invisible to a general observer.
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Create your own intervention!
Scale Micro / Meso / Macro Compatible components
Domain Spatial / Social / Governance Why? How?
Complexity
Age group
Theme(s)
Example
80 81Urban design toolkit To promote child-friendly urban environments, this toolkit provides a wide array of design interventions to develop more inclusive play spaces. By mixing and matching ideas ranging from the street to the neighbourhood, DIY solutions to more elaborate urban interventions, it is a guide to creatively engage with planning for child-friendly environments. ISBN 978-90-386-4496-7
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