Exploring the views of Iranian planning professionals on children’s active involvement in urban planning

Abstract

This article explores the extent to which urban planning professionals in Iran are prepared to facilitate children’s inclusion in city decision-making. What do Iranian planners believe about the potential effectiveness of children’s inclusion? Evidence from research in Mashhad elicited ambivalent reactions on the part of planners. They held conflicting viewpoints on children’s involvement from various perspectives, including its feasibility, its value to children and to the planning system, and its implications for their own roles. There was evidence, however, that planners’ current purpose could change from passively instrumental roles to advocacy, partnership and communication. The paper considers how the functioning of the larger planning system might incorporate child-participation initiatives, facilitating a more democratic approach to planning and citizen participation in urban environments.