9th Child in the City World Conference

ViennaAustria

Parallel session: Child-Friendly Planning (15:45-17:15)

Presentation 1: Co-creating public spaces with children – learning aspects and community impact

Presented by:  Bettina Lamm, Anne Wagner, and Laura Winge

Abstract: What happens when children participate in the design, development and construction of common spaces? What are their dreams and visions, when they are given the chance to imagine, build and express their ideas? How can we involve children as contributing resources in design processes and how can they, in turn, learn about design, crafting, community and public space? The practice based research project “Move the neighbourhood!” has explored methods for codesigning public space with children to examine how collaborations can contribute to developing better locally integrated playful outdoor spaces.

Presentation 2: ‘Pupils from Breitenbach/ Switzerland planning their new school’

Presented by: Zeno Steuri

Abstract: As the first community in Switzerland, Breitenbach in the canton of Solothurn decided to give all pupils of all school levels the opportunity to contribute their experiences and ideas into the new school building concept before the architectural competition begins. This approach is unique in the Swiss school landscape. More than 400 pupils from kindergarten to high school together with teachers, principals and caretakers participated in the project. The project developed a guideline for the participation of children and adolescents in school planning.

Presentation 3:’Keep Playing: How the London Borough of Hackney continued to support the child’s right to play despite national austerity policies and cuts’.

Presented by: Nicola Butler

Abstract: Despite national government cuts and austerity, Hackney Council has become one of the leading municipalities for play in England. How has this been achieved? What are the lessons learned? And what are the plans for sustainability and future development? Some of the results include: 50 play streets, including school streets, estates and work with Black and Minority Ethnic communities, 19 PlayPods in schools, 7 adventure playgrounds reaching thousands of disadvantaged children.