Reimagining Urban Spaces for Children: Insights and Future Directions

Abstract

Despite decades of international efforts, children remain overlooked in urban planning, which predominantly caters to adults. This editorial introduces a thematic issue of Urban Planning that compiles 13 articles exploring how cities can be redesigned to better serve children’s needs and rights. The collection covers a range of critical themes, including children’s mobility and the constraints imposed by car-centric environments, the lack of accessible and inclusive play spaces, and the disconnection between children and nature exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The articles highlight barriers to children’s independent mobility, the importance of unstructured green and grey spaces, and the need for multigenerational public spaces. Additionally, they emphasize the role of children in environmental stewardship and urban wellbeing. We argue for a holistic, child-centred approach to urban planning, calling for greater integration of children’s voices in decision-making and the creation of urban environments that promote children’s well-being, mobility, and inclusion. The thematic issue provides a comprehensive framework for addressing the urgent need to reshape urban spaces for children, fostering more liveable, sustainable cities for all.

Keywords

• child-friendly cities
• children’s well-being
• environmental stewardship
• inclusive public spaces
• independent mobility
• multigenerational spaces
• urban design