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Influences of the spatial neighborhood layout on shaping child-friendly places

van Lent, S.J. (2020) Influences of the spatial neighborhood layout on shaping child-friendly places. Bachelor thesis.

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Abstract

The physical activity levels of children are decreased compared to the past. Research has shown that children engage in less activities outdoors and that the spatial neighborhood environment is a major contributing factor; it is often seen that large spatial developments ignore the essence of creating diverse and rich play areas for children. Child-friendly environments which provide enough opportunities for children to fulfill their physical activity demands are necessary to maintain children’s physical and mental well-being. This study aims to determine the child-friendliness of the spatial neighborhood layout, particularly present in a cauliflower and VINEX neighborhood. The question arises: How does the potential degree of independent mobility and affordances of children influence the child-friendliness of a cauliflower and VINEX neighborhood? In the context of this research, independent mobility describes the ability of children to travel alone and potential affordances indicates the properties of an object or place and the potential interactions with its users. Based on a literature review on the influence of potential independent mobility and affordances on the child-friendliness of an environment, a mixed-method approach was employed. An observational study and a GIS network analysis were used to study the potential independent mobility of children and the available neighborhood affordances. Per neighborhood, the results have been assembled into the Bullerby model. The degree of potential affordances in both neighborhoods is equal, however VINEX neighborhoods tend to have clusters of child-friendly places that requires higher independent mobility, whereas the spatial structure of a cauliflower neighborhood does not enable children to travel further distances and only provides a limited availability of affordances near residences. Based on the conclusions, planners should consider adding playground equipment, water items and plants that enhance play opportunities for children. To enhance the independent mobility in the cauliflower neighborhoods, it is recommended to construct safe routes for children.

Item Type: Thesis (Bachelor)
Degree programme: Spatial Planning and Design
Supervisor: Niekerk, F.
Date Deposited: 03 Sep 2020 06:58
Last Modified: 03 Sep 2020 06:58
URI: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3347

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