IAPS 2004

Eman El-Nachar, Ph.D.Assistant Professor

Department of ArchitectureFaculty of Fine Arts

Cairo, Egypt

Rethinking Qualities of Children’s Play AreasRethinking Qualities of Children’s Play Areas

Toward a Developmental Approach Toward a Developmental Approach for Evaluating Residential Outdoor Spacesfor Evaluating Residential Outdoor Spaces

Rethinking Qualities of Children’s Play AreasRethinking Qualities of Children’s Play Areas

Toward a Developmental Approach Toward a Developmental Approach for Evaluating Residential Outdoor Spacesfor Evaluating Residential Outdoor Spaces

Research Scope:Research Scope:Research Scope:Research Scope:

Designing residential streets is usually based

on intuitive problem solving approach.

Designing residential streets is usually based

on intuitive problem solving approach.

Research and evaluation methods

for testing qualities of residential streets

with respect to children play

are very rare.

Research and evaluation methods

for testing qualities of residential streets

with respect to children play

are very rare.

Free play in outdoor spaces,

has a vital role in achieving

child development.

Free play in outdoor spaces,

has a vital role in achieving

child development.

Residential streets are popular places

for children free play.

Residential streets are popular places

for children free play.

Residential streets have lost their role,

children play opportunities

are limited to the use of play grounds.

Residential streets have lost their role,

children play opportunities

are limited to the use of play grounds.

Research Research ProblemProblem

Research Research ProblemProblem

QuestionsQuestionsQuestionsQuestions

• What are the different developmental needsWhat are the different developmental needs that characteristics of residential streets may serve? that characteristics of residential streets may serve?

• How can the design of residential streets respond How can the design of residential streets respond to children needs of exploration and socialization? to children needs of exploration and socialization?

• What are the suitable evaluation strategies and methodsWhat are the suitable evaluation strategies and methods for residential streets with respect to child development? for residential streets with respect to child development?

• What are the different developmental needsWhat are the different developmental needs that characteristics of residential streets may serve? that characteristics of residential streets may serve?

• How can the design of residential streets respond How can the design of residential streets respond to children needs of exploration and socialization? to children needs of exploration and socialization?

• What are the suitable evaluation strategies and methodsWhat are the suitable evaluation strategies and methods for residential streets with respect to child development? for residential streets with respect to child development?

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ObjectivesObjectivesObjectivesObjectives

Identifying aspects incorporatedin the relation betweencharacteristics of residential streetsand child developmental needs …

Identifying aspects incorporatedin the relation betweencharacteristics of residential streetsand child developmental needs …

Developing framework for evaluation strategysuitable to test qualitiesof residential streets, with respect to child development …

Developing framework for evaluation strategysuitable to test qualitiesof residential streets, with respect to child development …

A Theoretical Analytical Study to Investigate:A Theoretical Analytical Study to Investigate:A Theoretical Analytical Study to Investigate:A Theoretical Analytical Study to Investigate:

Conceptual model explains the relation between child development and aspects of residential streets

Conceptual model explains the relation between child development and aspects of residential streets

Evaluative Framework for testing qualities of residential streetsEvaluative Framework for testing qualities of residential streetswith respect to child development …with respect to child development …

Evaluative Framework for testing qualities of residential streetsEvaluative Framework for testing qualities of residential streetswith respect to child development …with respect to child development …

Free play child development

Free play child development

Child development&

built environment

Child development&

built environment

How, where, when children play

in residential areas

How, where, when children play

in residential areas

Design for childPlay in residential

streets

Design for childPlay in residential

streets

MethodologyMethodologyMethodologyMethodology

Free PlayFree Play / Child Development / Child DevelopmentFree PlayFree Play / Child Development / Child Development

Free Free PlayPlayFree Free PlayPlay

GrossGrossMotorMotorSkillsSkills

GrossGrossMotorMotorSkillsSkills

Intellectual Intellectual SkillsSkills

Intellectual Intellectual SkillsSkills

SensorySensoryMotorMotorSkillsSkills

SensorySensoryMotorMotorSkillsSkills

EmotionalEmotionalSkillsSkills

EmotionalEmotionalSkillsSkills

Social Social SkillsSkills

Social Social SkillsSkills

Free play is central to child developmentFree play is central to child developmentChildren learn best through free playChildren learn best through free play

Free play fosters all aspects of child developmentFree play fosters all aspects of child development

Free play is central to child developmentFree play is central to child developmentChildren learn best through free playChildren learn best through free play

Free play fosters all aspects of child developmentFree play fosters all aspects of child development

Aspects of Free Play / Design ObjectivesAspects of Free Play / Design ObjectivesAspects of Free Play / Design ObjectivesAspects of Free Play / Design Objectives

Free Free PlayPlayFree Free PlayPlay

ExplorationExploration

DiscoveryDiscovery

CooperationCooperation

Social-InteractionSocial-Interaction

InitiationInitiation

InvolvementInvolvement

Self-InitiativeSelf-Initiative

ActiveActive

Self-MotivatedSelf-Motivated

SpontaneousSpontaneous

Non-DirectedNon-Directed

ImaginativeImaginative

Free of Adult Free of Adult Imposed RulesImposed Rules

CreativeCreative Associated BehaviorAssociated BehaviorAssociated BehaviorAssociated Behavior

Child Development & the Built EnvironmentChild Development & the Built EnvironmentChild Development & the Built EnvironmentChild Development & the Built Environment

Social AspectSocial Aspect

Cultural AspectCultural Aspect

Physical AspectPhysical Aspect

Child DevelopmentChild Development ChildChild ChildChild EnvironmentEnvironmentEnvironmentEnvironment

• Children read the environment as something to interact with.Children read the environment as something to interact with.

• Children play, develop, and use the environment in different waysChildren play, develop, and use the environment in different ways depending on their cultural background and socio-economic status depending on their cultural background and socio-economic status

• Ecological conception of children-environment interaction – Ecological conception of children-environment interaction – (Intersection theory of child development). (Intersection theory of child development).

• Children read the environment as something to interact with.Children read the environment as something to interact with.

• Children play, develop, and use the environment in different waysChildren play, develop, and use the environment in different ways depending on their cultural background and socio-economic status depending on their cultural background and socio-economic status

• Ecological conception of children-environment interaction – Ecological conception of children-environment interaction – (Intersection theory of child development). (Intersection theory of child development).

Design features Design features can have a direct impactcan have a direct impact on children development on children development

but more often, but more often, they work in ecological concertthey work in ecological concert

with family systems with family systems to affect development …to affect development …

Where & When ... Where & When ... Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?

Where & When ... Where & When ... Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?

Children play:Children play: - Where the most activities are occurring- Where the most activities are occurring- When they are together - When they are together

Children play:Children play: - Where the most activities are occurring- Where the most activities are occurring- When they are together - When they are together

The busier the street, the more appealingThe busier the street, the more appealingThe busier the street, the more appealingThe busier the street, the more appealing

Where & When ... Where & When ... Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?

Where & When ... Where & When ... Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?

Children play:Children play:Children play:Children play: Near the entrances of dwellingsNear the entrances of dwellingsNear the entrances of dwellingsNear the entrances of dwellings

Where & When ... Where & When ... Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?

Where & When ... Where & When ... Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?

Children play:Children play:Children play:Children play: When there is a chance for something to happenWhen there is a chance for something to happenWhen there is a chance for something to happenWhen there is a chance for something to happen

Where & When ... Where & When ... Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?

Where & When ... Where & When ... Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?Children Play in Residential Outdoor Space?

No people to look atNo people to look at

No trafficNo traffic

No people to look atNo people to look at

No trafficNo traffic

NO P L A YNO P L A Y??• That is why many playgrounds are unused or under-usedThat is why many playgrounds are unused or under-used

• Playgrounds provide only one small part of the totalPlaygrounds provide only one small part of the total opportunity for free play in residential communities opportunity for free play in residential communities

Designing Livable Streets for Child DevelopmentDesigning Livable Streets for Child DevelopmentDesigning Livable Streets for Child DevelopmentDesigning Livable Streets for Child Development

Free to explore places without threat of traffic High level of independent mobility Sociable in populated places Children are able to play everywhere loosely and freely Highly stimulating environment Opportunities for casual social interaction Allowing passive watch by adults Opportunities to get around and to experience life and activities Decreasing Segregation and isolation from adults life Allow greatest range of possibilities for skill and knowledge acquisition within variety of modes Designing for all ages –including the disabled

Free to explore places without threat of traffic High level of independent mobility Sociable in populated places Children are able to play everywhere loosely and freely Highly stimulating environment Opportunities for casual social interaction Allowing passive watch by adults Opportunities to get around and to experience life and activities Decreasing Segregation and isolation from adults life Allow greatest range of possibilities for skill and knowledge acquisition within variety of modes Designing for all ages –including the disabled

AccessibilityAccessibility

Barrier-Free(Walls / Fences)Barrier-Free

(Walls / Fences)

Barrier-Free(Home/School Trip)

Barrier-Free(Home/School Trip)

VarietyForm/Color/Texture

VarietyForm/Color/Texture

ComplexityForm/Color/Texture

ComplexityForm/Color/Texture

Spatial RelationshipsSpatial Relationships

Clustering of Housing UnitsClustering of

Housing Units

Quality Features Quality Features of Outdoor Spacesof Outdoor SpacesQuality Features Quality Features of Outdoor Spacesof Outdoor Spaces Design Design

GuidelinesGuidelinesDesign Design GuidelinesGuidelines

IntellectualIntellectual

Conceptual ModelConceptual ModelConceptual ModelConceptual Model

EmotionalEmotional

SocialSocial

Sensori-motorSensori-motor

Physical-motorPhysical-motor

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- Families’ Demography- Background- Style of Life- Education- Socio- Economic Status

- Families’ Demography- Background- Style of Life- Education- Socio- Economic Status

- Dwelling Size- Clustering- Types/ of Outdoor Spaces- Circulation- Spatial Relations- Land-uses

- Dwelling Size- Clustering- Types/ of Outdoor Spaces- Circulation- Spatial Relations- Land-uses

- Accessibility- Barriers (walls/fences)- Complexity & Variety (colors/materials/forms/texture)- Spatial Relations- Natural Elements- Furniture- Equipment

- Accessibility- Barriers (walls/fences)- Complexity & Variety (colors/materials/forms/texture)- Spatial Relations- Natural Elements- Furniture- Equipment

- Attitudes Toward Street Life- Leisure Time Activities- Feeling of Security (traffic / strangers)- Regularity of Outdoor Activities

- Attitudes Toward Street Life- Leisure Time Activities- Feeling of Security (traffic / strangers)- Regularity of Outdoor Activities

Individual DifferencesIndividual Differences

Disabled Disabled

Gender Gender

Sex Sex

ExplorationExplorationDiscoveryDiscovery

Social InteractionSocial InteractionCooperationCooperationInvolvementInvolvement

ExplorationExplorationDiscoveryDiscovery

Social InteractionSocial InteractionCooperationCooperationInvolvementInvolvement

Social Social VariablesVariablesSocial Social

VariablesVariables

Physical Physical VariablesVariablesPhysical Physical VariablesVariables

Evaluating Qualities of Residential Outdoor Spaces for Children Development:Evaluating Qualities of Residential Outdoor Spaces for Children Development: A Multi-dimensional ApproachA Multi-dimensional Approach

Evaluating Qualities of Residential Outdoor Spaces for Children Development:Evaluating Qualities of Residential Outdoor Spaces for Children Development: A Multi-dimensional ApproachA Multi-dimensional Approach

• Dwellings size, locations, heights• The relation between housing units & outdoor spaces• Types of housing• Forms of outdoor spaces & scale• Spatial relation• Circulation• Distances from dwelling to school, market places, transportation• Types of materials used• Furniture• Landscape• Natural elements• Land-uses

• Dwellings size, locations, heights• The relation between housing units & outdoor spaces• Types of housing• Forms of outdoor spaces & scale• Spatial relation• Circulation• Distances from dwelling to school, market places, transportation• Types of materials used• Furniture• Landscape• Natural elements• Land-uses

QuestioningQuestioning Physical Physical AspectsAspects

QuestioningQuestioning Physical Physical AspectsAspects

Investigating Investigating Qualities Qualities

of Play Spaces of Play Spaces

Investigating Investigating Qualities Qualities

of Play Spaces of Play Spaces

Questioning Questioning Children’s Children’s ActivitiesActivities

Questioning Questioning Children’s Children’s ActivitiesActivities

A. Preliminary investigation• Where children play• How they play• When they play• Who are playing• Play activities• Games• Equipment• Type• RegularityB. Listing/Classifyingplay activities basedon developmental objectivesC. Identifying playspaces & plan physical aspects

A. Preliminary investigation• Where children play• How they play• When they play• Who are playing• Play activities• Games• Equipment• Type• RegularityB. Listing/Classifyingplay activities basedon developmental objectivesC. Identifying playspaces & plan physical aspects

• Observing children/ environment interaction• Designing integrative tools

Users Space Map- no.- age- gender- adults

Interaction Behavior-Exploration- Cooperation- Social Interaction- Involvement

Designing ElementsDegree of:- Complexity- Variety- Accessibility- Barrier Free

• Observing children/ environment interaction• Designing integrative tools

Users Space Map- no.- age- gender- adults

Interaction Behavior-Exploration- Cooperation- Social Interaction- Involvement

Designing ElementsDegree of:- Complexity- Variety- Accessibility- Barrier FreeArchitects, Planners, Architects, Planners,

LandscapersLandscapersArchitects, Planners, Architects, Planners, LandscapersLandscapers

Psychologists/Psychologists/Educational ExpertiseEducational ExpertisePsychologists/Psychologists/Educational ExpertiseEducational Expertise

2.2.2.2.• Family, size, ages?• Previous residence, how long?• Where do you come from?• Leisure time? Where?• Are children allowed to spend time in outdoor spaces? For how long?• Area secured from traffic? Strangers?• Children play with neighbor’s children?• Insist on accompanying your children in outdoor spaces?• Use outdoor spaces in other activities?• When, where?• Identify your trip from home to school? Market? Etc, …

• Family, size, ages?• Previous residence, how long?• Where do you come from?• Leisure time? Where?• Are children allowed to spend time in outdoor spaces? For how long?• Area secured from traffic? Strangers?• Children play with neighbor’s children?• Insist on accompanying your children in outdoor spaces?• Use outdoor spaces in other activities?• When, where?• Identify your trip from home to school? Market? Etc, …

SociologistSociologistSociologistSociologist

Questioning Questioning Social AspectsSocial Aspects

Questioning Questioning Social AspectsSocial Aspects1.1.1.1. 3.3.3.3. 4.4.4.4.