Visual reflections of child friendly urban space in 7-12 years old children's painting

Visual reflections of child friendly urban space in 7-12 years old children's paintingUrban spaces have a unique role in fulfilling the social and individual needs of child and youth. Improving the quality of these spaces could be effective in health and increase physical strength, Strengthening social interactions, group correlations and increase creativity in children. In other hand painting is a path to acquire abilities and creativity for children. Generally the mental connections of children with urban spaces is sort of problems that exposed in their paintings due to inability of communicate and transfer the message correctly. So the purpose of this study is to identify the most effective indicators on child friendly urban spaces based on children’s painting. The research method is qualitative and the data is collected through survey research method. The statistical society of the study consist of 7 from 12 years old children in Mashhad ( The second greatest city In Iran) and the statistical sample is selected through the purposive non-random sampling model. For this purpose 70 paintings on urban spaces is painted by children and based on drawing- sketching model of cognitive map and analysed by MAXQDA software. By analyzing the research variables including used symbols and colours in the paintings optimal features of urban space is extracted from the children's perspective. The results shows safety and comfort with 17.89% of importance is most important features of child friendly urban space and appropriate access to green and natural spaces, recreational and entertaining zones, public spaces, appropriate public transportation system, access to essential facilities and services, existence of a non-polluting environment, attractive visual elements and possibility of children’s participation are next ratings. To reach this elements attention must be focused on safety, designing and locating of child-friendly urban spaces, In that way they feel safe and feel free to access green and natural spaces. In order to attract a child to urban space and increase his/her sense of satisfaction from spaces he/she must understand urban spaces and use them. In other words, a child could engage himself/herself in spaces when he/she understands it; understanding spaces happens when they feel safety. Surveys has shown that features of a child-friendly urban spaces and proper access to green and natural spaces, recreational and entertaining zones, public spaces, appropriate transportation system, basic amenities and services, pollution free environment. Attractive visual elements and children’s possibility of participation are the next children’s priorities. These features allow them to play in space as they get pleased. Creating artificial and natural spaces together, using sophisticated and simple supplies allow them to grow their creativity. In addition paying attention to playgrounds that is not just a park can help their grow and development.These features allow them to play in space as they get pleased. Creating artificial and natural spaces together, using sophisticated and simple supplies allow them to grow their creativity. In addition paying attention to playgrounds that is not just a park can help their grow and development.Keywords: Child, child’s painting. Urban space, child friendly city