By involving children in the placemaking process, cities instill a sense of civic pride and responsibility in younger generations and foster more engaged, forward-thinking communities. This article explores this revolutionary approach, its implications, and some success stories across Latin America.
Children bring a unique perspective to urban planning, often leading to innovative ideas resonating across social strata. Their involvement in placemaking fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility, laying the groundwork for a more engaged populace. This approach goes beyond creating child-friendly spaces; it integrates the needs of all age groups, thereby redefining urban spaces as environments for growth and intergenerational connection.
The foundation of this child-centric approach is the understanding that every adult today was once a child with dreams and needs. By shifting the focus to the pluralistic needs of the population, urban planners create spaces that serve everyone, erasing the divide between “child-friendly” and general spaces.
Left: La Calle Bandera mural by Dasic Fernández in Santiago de Chile. Right: Chile’s Elemental Studio and head architect Alejandro Aravena’s children’s playground in Santiago de Chile.
Placemaking strategies are pivotal in transforming urban challenges into opportunities for community cohesion and sustainable growth in Latin America. Embracing design thinking that caters to the diverse needs of all, particularly children, is crucial in creating inclusive spaces. By incorporating children’s unique needs, Latin American cities, rich with cultural and historical significance, can become vibrant and inviting.
Children are natural empathic designers who instinctively seek environments that provide safety, inspiration, and room to explore. Integrating this design ethos into broader community planning leads to spaces that promote joy, learning, and unity. The results are aesthetically pleasing and yield a stronger, more resilient social fabric.
“Pepe, El Perezoso” by artist Fernando Parra, throughout various Galerías MX locations in Mexico. Curated and project managed by MASSIVart. Photos by Douglas Rivera.
Engaging children meaningfully requires authentic partnerships where their contributions are genuinely valued. Creating platforms for dialogue and co-creation that transcend language, economic status, and age barriers is essential. This approach goes beyond token representation; it demands an authentic partnership, ensuring that children’s voices are heard and acted upon.
Establishing Benchmarks for Child-Centered Innovation: “Creating the Streets for Kids Reverse Periscope“ is a groundbreaking tool that fundamentally alters adults’ perspectives on urban planning, prioritizing children’s needs. Developed by GDCI, this periscope encourages us to consider how to engage kids in street design. It offers a practical, actionable resource filled with concepts, tools, and case studies to inspire involving children in shaping the streets they use. The aim is to raise awareness of the importance of including kids in street design, highlight the benefits of their insights, and foster a deeper understanding of their needs and preferences.
Streets for Kids Reverse Periscope by GDCI.
Learning from Santiago’s Child-Centered Success: Parque Bicentenario in Santiago stands as a testament to the positive transformation possible when children are involved in planning. Co-designed with kids in mind, this urban oasis fosters inclusivity and wonder, becoming a beacon for multi-generational connection and shared experiences.
A Mexico City Experiment: An ongoing initiative in Mexico City seeks to redesign pedestrian zones to accommodate everyone’s needs, with a special focus on children. Parque La Mexicana, a bustling urban park, includes spaces for rest, dog parks, and games for kids, integrating family activities seamlessly. This park is always busy and well-loved by the community, showcasing how thoughtful design can foster engagement and enjoyment.
The child-centric approach to urban design sets the stage for a future where placemaking is a collective act of creation. The inter-generational exchange of ideas is becoming the norm, shaping Latin America’s cities for future generations. This human-centred, inclusive approach highlights the importance of engaging in public spaces, catering to the existential needs of all, including teenagers who often lack adequate public spaces.
The evolution of urban spaces in Mexico and Latin America largely depends on the children who will inherit them. Recognizing their inherent right to shape their surroundings enriches urban environments and paves the way for a collective future. This paradigm shift celebrates every community member, regardless of age, as an invaluable contributor to the tapestry of urban life. By involving children as co-creators, we are not just building cities but a future where everyone belongs.
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