Urban Green for Child- and Youth-Friendly Cities

Abstract

Urban green plays a central role in discussions about quality of life in urban areas. Young people have particular requirements of urban green, understanding of which is key in planning infrastructure and design aspects in cities. In order to support the spatial planning of child-and youth-friendly cities, including urban green, some questions must first be answered: (i) What kind of urban green is important? (ii) What kind of infrastructure elements are needed? (iii) What are the central characteristics and design aspects of urban green and its elements? (iv) How are they rated? The u3Green project aims to answer these questions by developing a survey app in cooperation with schools. The data gathered via the app will be analysed in order for recommendations to be made. Preliminary research activities were conducted. (1) A literature review investigated children’s and young people’s requirements of urban green. (2) An online questionnaire asked about urban outdoor activities, liked places, and the personal meaning of favourite places. The survey confirmed the needs and requirements identified in the literature review, but also revealed a new and surprising category of activity: walking. (3) A number of workshops in schools revealed what young people consider as negative factors in urban areas, especially traffic.