Using child-friendly city principles to improve dilapidated neighbourhoods, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Tehran's urban management approach has changed from large- to small-scale projects due to increased semi-finished projects and budget shortages. The goal was to change the concept of ‘city as a site of permanent construction’ to ‘neighbourhoods' improvement’, through which citizens can experience tranquility and stability. There is a growing concern about children being exposed to different urban problems. Attempting to address their essential needs in public places has led the municipality to improve dilapidated neighbourhoods, focusing on child-friendly small-scale projects. This study analyses the success of a project named ‘colourful alley’ in the Dastgheib neighbourhood of Tehran. After reviewing the related literature, a questionnaire was designed based on a conceptual model to determine inhabitants' perceptions. The data analysis included a Friedman test ranking the project's successful aspects, with a correlation test identifying the impacts of improving one dimension over the other. The results show a positive response among inhabitants. The analysis criteria included five successful aspects of collective memory, identity, livability, presence, and distinction. The results confirmed that improving visual-perceptual criteria has a direct and strong correlation with improving social or procedural criteria. In fact, child-friendly city principles can be deemed as catalysts for enhancing poor neighbourhoods.