Cities for Children: Supporting Capabilities of Children and Caregivers through Participatory Urban Planning Research

The findings of this Ph.D. research contribute to understanding children’s unique capabilities, the equalizing role of policies in enabling children’s participation, and the informative role of caregivers in the representation of very young children in participatory urban planning processes, and also enhance methodologies in urban planning research with children. Supporting children and caregivers in creating child-focused urban environments in Istanbul through participatory planning first and foremost requires legislative change that liberates children from preconditions towards their citizenship. Also, a specialized child-centered approach that supports inclusivity, encouraging caregivers’ participation when needed for the representation of all children, and equity between all stakeholders by supporting children’s capabilities with methods relevant to children and approaches leading to shared leadership are critical. Research on children’s participation in urban planning in Turkey has yet to reach sufficient knowledge creation to inform urban planning approach and practice. More research with different age groups and caregiver profiles is needed first to introduce participation as a right and pave the way towards creating cities for children through enhancing the participatory urban planning approach and practice.