Children's perception of their city centre: a qualitative GIS methodological investigation in a Dutch city. Issue 4 (3rd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alarasi, Haifa; Martinez, Javier; Amer, Sherif
• Is Part Of: Children's geographies. Volume 14:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 437
• Page End: 452
• Publication Date: 2016-07-03
• Subjects: children's perception -- qualitative GIS -- physical qualities -- social qualities -- city centre -- child-friendly cities; Geographical perception in children -- Periodicals; 305.23
• DOI: 10.1080/14733285.2015.1103836
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-3285

Abstract

Abstract : Children represent a population group that is much neglected in the city planning process. Their perceptions, which are different from those of adults, are usually not incorporated in the design of cities. The aim of this paper is to present a qualitative GIS approach to capture children's perceptions of the urban environment. It gives a detailed insight into why certain perceptions occur and what the associated physical and social qualities are. The approach considers children as active participants and combines quantitative and qualitative methods. Twenty-eight children aged 10–17 were involved in examining the city-centre area of Enschede, the Netherlands. The results show both similarity and heterogeneity in perception (e.g. based on gender and age group) and the emergence of new location-specific qualities (e.g. natural elements, smart technologies, economic functions). It concludes with a discussion on the potential of incorporating this approach in urban planning processes.