Co-Generating Urban Knowledge with Children in Istanbul

    Activiteit: Academic presentationAcademic

    Description

    The participation of children, who are urban citizens, is essential for creating inclusive urban environments that cater to their needs and preferences through participatory urban planning. However, researchers face challenges in addressing children's role in urban planning, particularly in contexts where a culture of participation is absent, such as Istanbul. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated participatory research. In this study, I aim to better understand children’s knowledge of urban environments and how they acknowledge and approach the urban challenges they experience in Istanbul. I also tested the advantages and drawbacks of using online communication tools for participatory research with children. Drawing on a thematic analysis of children’s artwork elicitations through individual online interviews, I address the following questions: (1) How do children understand the neighborhood? (2) What do children value about their urban environment? (3) How do children approach solving the urban challenges they experience? During the research, I met children who are resilient in dealing with the decaying socio-spatial pattern of Istanbul, are aware of the urban challenges they experience, and can generate feasible solutions when prompted. Their solutions, such as incorporating more nature and using existing technology in garbage management and recycling, highlight obvious approaches nations should adopt in the ongoing fight against climate change. This distinguishes not only children’s role in planning the cities for better urban life but also their critical role in the fight against the urgent and dramatic challenges facing our planet. Besides, children’s participation better informs, especially when they guide knowledge generation and a child-centered approach guides adult researchers.
    Periode29-aug.-2024
    EvenementstitelRGS-IBG International Annual Conference
    EvenementstypeConference
    LocatieLondon, United KingdomToon op kaart
    Mate van erkenningInternational