Urban beautification campaigns are usually sold to local residents as a way to improve their daily lives. Design elements – from lighting systems to signs, benches, bollards, fountains and planters, and sometimes even surveillance equipment...Read more
Brazilian cities’ experiences of creating naturalised parks – which bring major benefits for children – are the inspiration behind a new book.
The Alana Institute, in partnership with the Bernard van Leer Foundation’s Urban95 Brazil project,...Read more
Children’s charity UNICEF needs your experiences and case studies on the effect of green space on children in developing countries for a workshop later this year.Read more
An acclaimed urban design resource which focuses on children and caregivers is now available in Spanish, making it accessible to millions more child rights champions worldwide.Read more
Many U.S. schools were in dire need of upgrades – burdened by leaking pipes, mold, and antiquated heating systems – long before the COVID-19 pandemic drew attention to the importance of indoor ventilation in reducing...Read more
As education is the right of every child, so is safe access to schools. As schools in India reopen after nearly two years of online education, it is important to reexamine how children access schools....Read more
Young Japanese children portrayed in a TV show walking the city alone as they do chores shines a light on how the country’s young children are encouraged to be more independent than many of their...Read more
The Indian city of Pune is rolling out the next part of the acclaimed Urban95 programme that looks at cities’ infrastructures through the eyes of a young child.Read more
In January 2021, Storm Christoph pummelled the United Kingdom with heavy rains and the threat of unmanageable runoff. But in flood-prone Manchester, a newly-developed park was proving its worth.
West Gorton Park had ‘drunk’ the rainwater,...Read more
The Canadian city of Hamilton hopes that public feedback will be the key driver in its future plans for delivering housing that truly meets the needs of children and their families.Read more
For city dwellers, having access to green space is generally touted as a guardian of good health. Research shows that spending time in parks and urban woodlands, green streets and gardens contributes to fewer mental-health...Read more
Fortunately, more and more attention is being paid to a play-friendly public space in both research and policy. Yet there is still little insight into very basic questions. For example, do boys play more outside than...Read more
A series of important ‘child-friendly living spaces’ resources aimed at professionals, produced by UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein, are now available in English.Read more