Challenging Child-Friendly Urban Design: Towards Inclusive Multigenerational Spaces

Abstract

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has not only presented novel challenges but has also brought to light previously unaddressed issues, such as children’s rights, their interdependence on adults, and the vulnerability of children concerning their mental well-being. The pandemic has served to accentuate the distinction between those spaces that have traditionally been designated for children or adults, and the manner in which they coexist. Some researchers posit that this phenomenon can be attributed to the emphasis placed on so-called child-friendly spaces. This article presents a critical examination of and challenge to the concept of child-friendly places, advocating for a shift towards multigenerational places. This critique draws on data from an observational study conducted in a community playground in Brno, Czechia. The concept of territorial production was employed as a tool to unveil the intricate assemblage of ever-changing control over territories and power dynamics within the playground among its visitors. The findings offer valuable insights into the practices through which children assert temporary control over spaces that are considered to be communal. Teenagers employ loud music or personal belongings to mark their territory, while younger children utilise movement to establish control. Territorial production coexists with those of the adults who also frequent the site. This highlights the necessity to create environments that are conducive to the needs of both children and adults, discouraging the design of exclusive spaces for children. The promotion of a multigenerational city can foster inclusivity, whereby the diverse needs and behaviours of different age groups within shared spaces are recognised and accommodated.