The quality of biophilic elements in child-friendly open space

Abstract

There are many city parks currently used as public spaces and children's play facilities in Indonesia that do not meet the criteria for child-friendly open spaces. It is, however, important to note that biophilic elements are the natural environment components determining the quality of city parks. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate the criteria, perceptions, and development of biophilic elements in a child-friendly open space using Merjosari park in Malang which is one of those developed to achieve a child-friendly city as the case study. The biophilic elements criteria were determined using the Analysis Hierarchy Process (AHP) method while the perception of elements used the Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method. First, the results showed the main criterion for the biophilic element according to experts is well-being while the highest sub-criterion is a safe space. Second, the seating element was found to be the visitors’ perception of quality based on the highest level of suitability while the garden element has the highest service performance and safe space had the highest level of importance. Third, playing equipment was recommended to be prioritized in the development of biophilic elements quality based on its high value in the IPA analysis. Finally, safe space was discovered to be the most important biophilic element of child-friendly open space at Merjosari Park, Malang City according to expert criteria and visitors’ perception.