Spatial planning guidelines for child-friendly spaces: an African perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research investigates the planning and design of child-friendly spaces in an African context by means of a placemaking approach. Previous research has focused on place-making and urban planning and design guidelines for public spaces, but with limited focus on child-friendly public spaces. Thus, this article investigates and recommends urban planning and design guidelines for child-friendly spaces in an African context. The research employs a qualitative research analysis to investigate child-friendly spaces in two African case studies, Dandora, Naibobi, Kenya, and Orlando East, Johannesburg, South Africa. The investigation illustrates the need for context-based planning and place-making principles adopted to fit the needs of child-friendly spaces. Whilst the research is intended as a pilot investigation, with the urban planning and design guidelines identified requiring further refinement, findings provide insights and contribute to the planning knowledge base, especially on how planning and design of public spaces can shape more child-friendly public spaces.