What Makes a Good City in Pre-schoolers’ Eyes? Findings from Participatory Planning Projects in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Pre-schooler’s voices are absent in urban planning and design. With the possible exception of playgrounds, there is limited knowledge about their experiences in and expectations for urban environments. This paper discusses pre-schoolers' aspirations and desires for aesthetic and accessible green spaces as well as social and physical connectedness. Although this age range has so far been limited in its ability to inform policy and decision-makers, it is argued that pre-schoolers have the capacity and capability of making valuable contributions to design. In the eyes of pre-schoolers, creating a good city means to live in a safe place full of diverse destinations in which they can become streetwise and socialize as part of society.