Relationship between Child and Urban Space: Accessibility and Areal Efficiency Analysis of Playgrounds in Erzurum

The effect of physical environment on cognitive and social development of children is highly admitted. Thus, this article discusses the relation between child and urban space through playgrounds within the perspective of Child Friendly Cities Approach. For this purpose, accessibilities and areal efficiencies of playgrounds within three different regions of Erzurum, selected due to their different urbanization processes, are examined. Changing needs of different age groups are considered for the accessibility analysis. Practices of children to use playgrounds, streets and other urban spaces are also observed. This analysis, firstly, puts forward that applications related to playgrounds varies due to the varieties of urban space formation through time. Secondly, the playgrounds are not accessible for children aged under 11 and have areal efficiency problems within all regions. Thirdly, the usage of urban space by children is affected by their socio-economic situations. Thus, it is a priority to determine a legal obligation about the size and distribution of playgrounds within urban space through regulations. Moreover, other urban spaces must be redesigned to be more secure for their everyday usage by children. The ongoing urban transformation projects at all cities should be used as an opportunity to solve these issues and provide more liveable urban spaces for all.