Förtätningen och barnen : En studie om förtätningens påverkan på barns tillgång till lekområden och rörelsefrihet i Långbro

Urban densification is a current topic in today ́s news and fields for research. Several researchers advocate the compact city, which in theory leads to reduced transportation and emissions, a more enjoyable urban life and the preservation of green areas outside the city. The concept of densification is synonymous to sustainable development and transport, but at the same time researchers describe how the compact city is creating more barriers for children as residential areas are prioritized instead of green areas. Children’s play is important for both their mental and physical development. Green areas in cities has proven to reduce stress and make residents feel good. This study aims to see how densification affect children's access to playgrounds and natural green areas in the area of Långbro in southern Stockholm. Seven semi-structured interviews have been conducted with preschool teachers and childminders to see how densification has affected children’s access to play areas. The results from the interviews showed that Långbro has good assets to playgrounds and green spaces for children to play on even though there has been densification in the study area. Several of the respondents felt that the design and maintenance is not sufficient and the planners and decision makers do not have a child perspective in the planning of playgrounds they also believe that both the pressure on playgrounds and green spaces has increased. Children need physical activity and green areas and their neighborhood is an important place for that. Children must have a greater influence and policy-makers and planners need at an early stage have the child’s perspective in their planning to avoid that playgrounds and schools are forgotten