A new UK Government took
office on 11 May and is in the process of deciding its position on
a number of policies and government strategies . As a result the
content of this page may not reflect current Government
policy. All statutory guidance and legislation referred to
continues to reflect the current legal position unless indicated
otherwise.
The design and landscaping of public spaces is
central to whether they appeal to children.
Play England and DCSF have produced Design for Play, which
includes a set of design principles to support the design of
successful play spaces. These principles may also be useful when
applied to wider areas of design in the public realm.
Considering children’s need to play when designing aspects of
the built environment can result in improvements including:
- creating home zones and 20mph speed limits on residential
streets
- incorporating cycle and pedestrian routes to play areas
- making places feel safer by improving lighting and sight
lines
- incorporating playful design elements, for example, hopscotch
tiling in pavement design.
The golden rule in designing a successful play space is that it
is a place in its own right, specially designed for its location,
in such a way as to provide as much play value as possible.
Successful play spaces:
- are ‘bespoke’ – designed to enhance their particular
setting
- are well located – in the best possible place for children
- make use of natural elements
- provide a wide range of play experiences
- are accessible to both disabled and non-disabled children
- meet community needs
- allow children of different ages to play together
- build-in opportunities to experience risk and challenge
- are sustainable and appropriately maintained
- allow for change and evolution
In order to effectively meet the needs of the community,
wherever possible designers should consult with children and
families to find out what they want from public spaces, what is
preventing them from playing and socialising, and where playable
space is most needed.
An important part of the design process is weighing up issues of
safety and risk in the design of public space. While children
should not be exposed to unacceptable dangers, it is important to
allow them opportunities to experience adventurous play
opportunities where they can challenge themselves and develop their
abilities.
The Manual for Streets, produced by the Department for Transport
and Department for Communities and Local Government, provides
extensive advice on street design. It starts from the premise that
streets should be places where people want to live and spend time,
rather than simply corridors for transport. Making streets more
appealing for children will involve considering the design and
layout of:
- planting
- street furniture
- signage
- parking
- cycle routes and pathways
- lighting
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