CHILDREN'S PLAY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH URBAN PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS IN DHAKA

Abstract

This dissertation aims to understand play, play space, and children’s location preference for play in global south urban context. Particularly, this study i) explores the concepts of play and play space by delving into 7 to 15 years old children's everyday play practices in Dhaka; ii) develops spatial analytical models to study children’s location preference for play; and iii) being informed by the results from i and ii, explains the impact of urban physical environments on children’s location preference for play. The study applies a novel mixed method research framework to study configuration of urban spaces with a particular emphasis on children’s play. Results extend knowledge in advanced architectural and urban studies by introducing discourses that go beyond traditional design and planning. They inform social scientists, urban planners, and designers about important social and spatial factors that influence children’s play in urban spaces.