Children: Our Future Projects
Children are a large part of society and it’s undeniable that their voices are not heard. The goal of architecture and urbanism is to stimulate debate and show the importance of all individuals without discrimination. But why are children only seen as an extension of their parents? They are also individuals with their own opinions. Thus, the erasure of their narrative could have an impact on our future in terms of the way we plan cities and create architecture.
The texts quoted below invite us to reflect on this little-discussed topic today and to find ways to build a better future for our society.
The Granite Garden: Urban Nature and Human Design
Basic Books, 1985.
Spirn is a strong supporter of environmental sustainability and social equity. It believes that cities can be more liveable and sustainable if they are designed to meet the needs of all people, regardless of age, ethnicity or gender. The book serves as a guide to redefining and planning cities that are safer, more equal, and more accessible for all their residents by raising awareness of sustainability in urban planning.
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
Vintage Books, 1961.
In Jacobs´ theory, she argues that for a city to be safe for everyone, the street must be safe, a street that delimits public and private space through the movement of pedestrians on the street and the view from buildings to the sidewalk, so that many eyes are looking in the direction of the street. In her view, the street is also a social and political institution. It's an act of community building and bonding that begins in childhood. Her humanized perspective of understanding the residents of the neighborhood to be able to intervene in the city is fascinating.
Educational Psychology
St. Lucie Press, 1997.
Vygotsky`s theory emphasizes that the child must be exposed to the world outside the home. The socialization of the child leads to its autonomy and its own ways of learning. Another important factor is that children are not only influenced by the culture in which they live. They can also influence and change it.
Old Enough!
Netflix
A Japanese series on Netflix shows children learning independence and individuality by doing tasks outside the home without parental supervision.