TOWARDS A SAFE PLACE FOR CHILDREN IN TODAY'S RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOODS

Abstract

Most Arab cities are experiencing tremendous urbanization processes and challenges. Despite the fact that Arab cities are developing fast, social factors in planning and urban design have been neglected. Many of the urban problems that Arab cities experience today result from an unbalanced approach to development, where physical development has been given priority over spiritual, cultural. and social requirements. The concern of the societal needs in urban planning and design is often intended for adults regardless of the growing number and needs of the younger population. This paper focuses on children because their needs are the least considered in planning and design of cities. The paper motivates urban authorities, of the Arab world, to be sensitive to the needs of urban children and to find suitable tools and mechanisms to consider children in their strategic and physical planning process. Towns and cities must be made safe and children friendly. This paper discusses the various forces that influence Arab children in the wake of industrialization, urbanization, 1nodernization, and globalization. It will specifically focus on diverse social and cultural ills that have emerged among Arab children, which are attributed to living in a stressful physical environment, one that neglects their needs and marginalizes their existence in the fabric of the developing cities. This paper will address the following questions: why are cities not planned with the needs of children in mind? What are the characteristics of cities that are positive for children? In addition, the paper calls for a more holistic approach to planning and rephrasing the role of urban planners and designers in producing spaces and places for Arab children where they will enjoy their growing cities and neighborhoods.