Final Year Project

Project Title

Cities for All: Analyzing the Design and Inclusivity of Child-Friendly Public Spaces in Karachi

Description

The study examines whether Karachi’s indoor and outdoor public spaces meet the developmental needs and rights of children aged 3–8 amid rapid urbanization and global child-friendly city aspirations. In-depth interviews with mothers, architects, psychologists, and educators, were conducted and this data was triangulated with site visits to selected parks and play facilities. Thematic analysis of this qualitative data revealed multiple shortcomings: safety hazards (unsafe equipment, lack of supervision), poor maintenance (dirty or broken amenities), limited accessibility (distance, fees, age-inappropriate installations), and unstimulating play equipment. Common critiques included parks prioritizing adult needs over child play features and facilities, indicating that children’s rights to the city and sustainable development goals remain unmet. By linking these observations to urban theory, the study proposes an integrated child-inclusive design framework and offers actionable recommendations for planners and policymakers to improve public environments, advancing children’s rights and aligning Karachi’s urban planning with sustainability and equity goals.