A literature review on the design of children’s outdoor play spaces from a child-friendly perspective combining biomechanics
Abstract
The significance of outdoor games in the lives of children cannot be overstated, as outdoor play areas serve as vital laboratories for children to explore, imagine, and engage in social interactions. However, with the deepening of global urbanization, children’s freedom to play in urban environments is becoming increasingly restricted. Simultaneously, the increase of urban residential density and the proliferation of indoor activity spaces has led to a considerable reduction in outdoor play areas for children. This diminished exposure to and interaction with nature indirectly impacts the physical and mental health development of children, giving rise to a host of physical and psychological issues. Outdoor play spaces serve as dynamic environments where children can connect with nature, understand their surroundings, and cultivate curiosity. The design of these spaces must prioritize biomechanics to enhance children’s physical engagement and safety. High-quality outdoor play areas should be structured to promote movement that aligns with children’s natural motor skills, facilitating activities that encourage running, climbing, and jumping. Such designs not only stimulate physical development but also foster cognitive growth by providing opportunities for problem-solving and creativity. This review summarizes excellent design concepts and methods for outdoor play spaces for children from multiple countries and regions in recent years, including 77 papers. It delves into the design principles of children’s outdoor play spaces from a child-friendly perspective, taking into account children’s needs, safety, and sustainability. This study focuses on providing scientific support for the optimization of outdoor play spaces for children, with particular attention to aspects such as the diversity of outdoor play spaces, stimulation of intelligence, and seamless integration of natural elements. The aim of this research is to enhance the quality of outdoor play spaces for children, improve children’s outdoor play experiences, and promote children’s healthy development. By applying biomechanical principles, designers can create environments that enhance children’s interaction and exploration abilities, ultimately improving their overall quality of life. Emphasizing child-friendliness in the design of outdoor play spaces is crucial.
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