More Livable School Grounds for Children

Abstract

In urban areas, children have lost play spaces such as the street as well as natural areas for reasons such as the decrease in open air areas due to dense housing, the rise in the traffic load as a result of an increase in car possession, and parents' fear of crime. In general, the school grounds where children spend most of their time are the safest places for children since they are often within walking distance and isolated from motorized traffic. Consequently, these areas are accepted as one of remaining places in the urban environment where children can make contact with their peers in a natural open space. It has also been determined by studies that school grounds designed with natural elements have positive effects on the development of children. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of playing in the natural environment and school grounds designed with natural elements in terms of a child's development, and to specify qualities that should be included to improve the grounds for children in primary school. Previous studies on this topic were analyzed and personal, semi-structured interviews with 17 children who were asked about the qualities and elements of their dream school grounds were conducted for the present study.