Spatial child-friendliness in a disadvantaged neighborhood of Istanbul

Abstract

A pathetic space for an adult eye, could be a paradise for children. Child-friendliness of a neighborhood is not necessarily related to the average income of its inhabitants or its fancy appearance. Any place giving chances for integration, self-mobilization, and play is spatially child-friendly. Considering these, some studies seeking for “spatial child-friendliness” are examined and an urban slum in Istanbul, Turkey called Tarlabaşı is observed. Its real and imaginary barriers to child-friendliness are highlighted. Taking into account of these barriers, a project is proposed, which tries to be a solution to the problems of physical and mental isolation and insecurity. Over that project, the impact of architecture and urban design on a child’s life growing up in a fragile area is questioned and discussed.