Location:
Santiago, Chile

Organisation:
Ciudad emergente 

Partner Organisations:
– 

Year:
2024

Scale of Proximity:
Neighbourhood – School front yard 

Target Beneficiaries:
Children aged 0-10, caregivers

Introduction 
In the heart of Recoleta, a vibrant district in Santiago, Chile, a remarkable transformation has taken place. A once-neglected public space, adjacent to the San Felipe de Neri school, has been reimagined as a vibrant playground, buzzing with the joyful sounds of children at play. This inspiring project, implemented by Ciudad Emergente and guided by the Proximity of Care (PoC) methodology, demonstrates the power of child-centered design and tactical urbanism to create positive change in urban environments. 

Unveiling the Hidden Potential of a Public Space 
The PoC methodology, developed by ARUP and the Van Leer Foundation, provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the needs of young children in urban settings. It emphasizes the importance of four key dimensions: health, stimulation, protection, and support. In Recoleta, our project team meticulously applied this framework and guidance principles, conducting observations and engaging with the local community to understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the chosen site. 

What we discovered was a space with untapped potential. While serving as a gathering point for caregivers and children, it lacked the essential elements needed to truly support early childhood development. Play opportunities were limited, safety concerns were prevalent, and the overall environment lacked the vibrancy and stimulation that young minds crave.  

Empowering Young Voices to Shape Their City 

One of the key aspects of this project was its commitment to participatory design. Recognizing that children are the ultimate experts on their own needs and desires, the project team invited kindergarten students from San Felipe de Neri school to become active participants in the design process. 

Armed with cameras and colorful construction paper, these young urban planners embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery. They documented their favorite elements of the existing space, capturing images of blooming flowers and friendly animals. They also voiced their concerns, highlighting the presence of broken equipment, litter, and graffiti. 

Through hands-on model-making activities, the children unleashed their creativity, constructing miniature worlds filled with climbing structures, slides, and vibrant colors. Their imaginative designs served as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of play and the importance of providing children with opportunities to shape their own environments. 

A Playground Where Imagination Takes Flight 
Inspired by the children’s visions, our project team set out to create a playground where imagination could take flight. Utilizing tactical urbanism strategies, we implemented a series of interventions designed to enhance the space’s playfulness, safety, and overall appeal. 

Dull pavement was transformed into a network of colorful paths, inviting children to hop, skip, and jump their way through the playground. Climbing structures, inspired by the children’s love of animals and nature, emerged from the ground, providing opportunities for physical challenges and social interaction. Trampolines, strategically placed throughout the space, added an element of excitement and encouraged active play. 

Following the implementation of the project, we saw an increase in the number of children actively playing in the space. Caregivers reported feeling more comfortable allowing their children to explore and engage in independent play, thanks to the improved safety and visibility of the area. The playground became a hub of activity, laughter, and social connection, fostering a sense of community and belonging for both children and adults. 

Measuring the Impact: A Playground that Truly Makes a Difference 
To quantify the project’s impact, our team conducted careful observations before and after the intervention. A significant increase in the number of children was recorded using the space for active play, with a particular rise in activities that promote physical development, such as running, jumping, and climbing. Furthermore, we observed a marked improvement in social interaction among children, with more collaborative play and spontaneous friendships blossoming in the revitalized environment. 

These findings underscore the profound impact that thoughtful design can have on the lives of children. By creating spaces that prioritize play, exploration, and social connection, we can nurture their physical, cognitive, and emotional development, setting the stage for a brighter future. 

Key Takeaways 

• The PoC methodology provides a valuable framework for designing urban spaces that support the holistic development of young children. 

• Participatory design processes empower children and ensure that their voices are heard in the creation of their own environments. 

• Tactical urbanism offers a flexible and cost-effective approach to transforming public spaces and enhancing the lives of children and families.