Master's thesis Simone Stepan: KINDER(T)RÄUME - POTENTIAL OF RESIDENTIAL STREETS

KINDER(T)RÄUME

POTENTIAL OF RESIDENTIAL STREETS

The child-friendliness of a city can most easily be measured by the number of children and elderly people present in public spaces. Cities, often dominated by cars and traffic, tend to push children further out of urban spaces, leaving them with little room for free play. Predefined spaces specifically for children are frequently the only areas available to them, which prevents children from finding their own place in the city.

The present work, “CHILDREN'S DREAM”, examines the effects a city can have on children, particularly concerning their development during early childhood. It highlights how crucial it is for children to have sufficient space for free and safe play and the positive effects this has on their well-being. As part of this research, the spaces available to children in a city were analyzed, and recommendations for creating a child-friendly environment were developed. Residential streets emerged as a promising area of potential. An analysis and evaluation of residential streets in Graz were conducted to identify weaknesses and strengths.

The result is the design of a new type of residential street that meets the needs of children, giving them the space they deserve and require. Such a residential street not only benefits children but also enhances the quality of life for all residents of the area.