Parallel Session 5.1
Wednesday 22 November – 11.30 – 13.00
Children in Public Space
Helena Szewiola – PhD Candidate, Faculty of Architecture, Silesian University of Technology, Poland
The aim of this presentation is to explore and define the characteristics of child-friendly and child-used areas around schools. The research and thesis are based on the results of a survey of over 700 children about their relationship to public space. Building upon that, a series of workshops with children has been conducted to focus more thoroughly on specific spaces around the school and create a network of child-friendly spaces. Through drawing and map work children have expressed shared their perceptions. The gathered knowledge will be used for further research and can be a baseline for better inclusion.
Unleashing Potential: Non-School Spaces Empowering Children’s Well-being
Angela Million – Professor of Urban Design and Urban Development at TU Berlin, Germany
Katrin Schamun – Urbanist, architect, and media theorist
Investigating the transformative potential of non-school learning environments on children’s well-being, this study delves into the perspectives of children themselves. Through a game-based approach, interviews, and observation, it centers on two recreational facilities in Germany. By mapping out “well-being landscapes,” encompassing these facilities and neighborhood spaces, the study underscores the significance of specific places, objects, and individuals in creating enriching environments. The facilities prioritize well-being through voluntary participation, flexible scheduling, diverse age groups, inclusivity, and child-centered timing. The extended well-being landscape includes neighborhood places like markets, playgrounds, and popular spots with free internet, contributing to children’s sense of security, agency, and self-perception. The findings advocate for child-friendly educational cities.
Girls and public space
Gitte Van Der Biest – Part of the Team Participation to Public Space of JES Brussels
Jessica Vosters – Part of the Team Participation to Public Space of JES Brussels
When it comes to public space girls have different needs than boys, needs that are rarely met. With an approach rooted in youth practice we would like to share some insights around this topic as well as tools to generate an impact in the everyday lives of girls in the city. We will focus on the following questions. How can we make cities more accomodating for girls? What do they need in public space, and how do they use it? And in what ways is public space currently designed in a way that (inadvertently) favours boys and men?