The City at Eye Level for Kids

Children are increasingly growing up in urban environments; over half of the world’s population, including more than one billion children, now live in cities and towns. By 2030, an estimated six out of every ten people living in cities will be under the age of 18. Where proper urban planning exists, many of these children enjoy the benefits of urban life: better access to educational, medical, and recreational facilities. Where it does not, many children are denied such essentials. Urban planning and design can ensure that children can move safely and freely within their neighborhoods. It is therefore imperative that we design and build child-friendly and child-responsive cities, co-creating safe, inclusive, and accessible public spaces for and with children, especially the most vulnerable.

In principle, what children want in a city is the same as everyone else: safe and clean streets and public spaces; protected sidewalks and bike lanes; access to safe, pleasant, and welcoming green and public spaces; clean air to breathe; opportunities for recreation, lingering, wandering, and amusement; and a sense of safety and security, both at home and away from home. Designing public spaces offers an opportunity to rethink childhood. A child-friendly lens to create public spaces can help city leaders, policymakers, and urban practitioners envision safe, inclusive, and resilient cities and human settlements for all, reinforcing both the right to the city and the right to childhood.

Source:

https://thecityateyelevel.com/app/uploads/2019/06/eBook_CAEL_Kids_Book_Design_Kidsgecomprimeerd.pdf