A Proper Place for a Proper Childhood? Children’s Spatiality in a Play Centre

Abstract

In prosperous Western countries children’s everyday urban experienc is characterised by a general tendency towards a separation from adults’ space and by a high degree of spatial and temporal differ entiation functional to meeting the children’s needs (Zeiher, 2003). Children fluctuate continuously between spatially demarcated places designed specifically for them and the wider adult space. In particu lar, we have recently witnessed the significant expansion of children’s play centres (outdoor and indoor afterschool clubs, sport and leisure organisations and so on), planned and sponsored as safe sites for their play activities in recognition of their right to the city.