Cekrezi, Eriko (2021) Spatial development in underutilized areas to promote children’s well-being based on children’s perceptions and preferences. Bachelor thesis.
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Abstract
Recent studies show that the overall health and mental well-being among children is declining, with low participation in outdoor activities being one of the main reasons. Low participation in outdoor activities among youth leads to higher rates of obesity and depression. The spatial urban built environment is found to directly influence the health and, well-being of children, by either promoting or constraining them to participate in outdoor activities. Increasing the wellbeing levels of children is a great societal concern, which can be resolved by the well-utilization of empty areas. Through quantitative and qualitative methods, this research investigates development preferences and perceptions on underutilized areas in Groningen so that children’s wellbeing is promoted. The main research question of this report is: “How could underutilized areas in Groningen be developed in order to support the wellbeing of the children based on children perceptions and preferences, in a temporary or permanent way?”. To answer this main research question a combination of research methods was applied. For the underutilized areas in Groningen to be located, an online desk research followed by an observational approach occurred. Different criteria were set to verify whether the area is indeed underutilized and relevant to this thesis. After locating the underutilized area, a Questionnaire was conducted to children living in proximity of the area mainly focused on their preferences and perceptions on spatial features aimed for their wellbeing. It was found that children living in proximity of the underutilized area do not spend the recommended time practising outdoor activities, with the main reason being the inexistence of specifically designated areas for them to practise their favourite activities. Based on that and the local needs and resources, it is suggested that the underutilized area is developed to a childfriendly site where children can practise outdoor activities and socialize with friends. For specific spatial features, the preferences of local children were incorporated with the current data retrieved by scientific literature review. A strong link between their preferences, their favourite outdoor activity and whether there already exists a designated area to practice these outdoor activities was found. To conclude, underutilized areas appear as high potent spaces for spatial development. Incorporating children’s preferences and opinions upon spatial features that are aimed for their own wellbeing brings value and increases the overall quality of the spatial plan.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Spatial Planning and Design |
| Supervisor: | Niekerk, F. |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Jun 2021 09:30 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Jun 2021 09:30 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3483 |
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