Exploring the opportunities and constraints of urban small green spaces: an investigation of affordances

Abstract

ABSTRACT The presence of green elements, such as plants, trees, and natural outdoor spaces, has been found to have a significant impact on children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that access to green spaces can improve children's cognitive development, increase their physical activity levels, and reduce stress and anxiety. Furthermore, green features may increase children's creativity, imagination, and environmental, ecological, and social interaction education. This research aims to comprehend how green elements affect the formation of gathering spots for children in urban areas and which social and functional features influence children's decisions when choosing gathering spots. It specifically examines the social and spatial constraints that limit children's active play in urban spaces in the immediate vicinity of five single-gender girls’ elementary schools in Tehran. Moreover, it observes how the priority of children in choosing gathering spots around schools is affected by safety and surveillance concerns. Observations indicate that children's hang-out spots around schools are determined more by safety and surveillance than access to green spaces or natural elements. The research provides insights into the importance of green elements in shaping children's playful behavior. It emphasizes the necessity of considering safety when planning green spaces in schools’ vicinities.