Playing under the flyover in Bangkok from the children’s point of view

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the playground areas under flyovers/expressways in Bangkok and the children’s point of view regarding the utilization of the areas under flyovers/expressways as playgrounds. To understand the current playground situation in Bangkok, the play patterns of the children therein were observed. Children’s need to play and their satisfaction with using the areas under flyovers/expressways as playgrounds were studied through observation, a visual questionnaire field survey, and an interview. It was found that the playground areas under flyovers/expressways in Bangkok have three main characteristics: (1) they are equipped with typical preformed play equipment surrounded by sports and adult areas; (2) the play zone has been extended naturally, and free play has been made possible; and (3) vertical movements made with the provided play equipment, such as swinging, sliding, and climbing, are the common play patterns in such areas.

Keywords

• playground
• under flyover/expressway
• children assessment
• play environment
• play behavior