Optimizing Child-Friendly and Affordable Street Environments within 15-Minute Living Circles: A Qualitative Case Study

Abstract

Children’s daily environmental views and street interactions, especially on their walk to school, are understudied in urban planning and psychological development. Street environments affect children’s sense of security and learning possibilities, however there is a gap in how street environments within 15 minutes affect educational engagement and behaviour. This qualitative case study examined Nanchang, China, children aged 7–12’s street interactions to determine how they perceive and interact with street environments on their way to school. Observing 10 carefully selected children, analysing their drawings, and interviewing them revealed key features of child-friendly streets, such as eye-catching safety signs, a wealth of recreational facilities, and interactive design elements that greatly impacted children’s daily lives. Quality street environments can encourage autonomous exploration, improve social skills, and connect school learning. Provide urban planners and policymakers with knowledge to improve street environments for children’s holistic development.