THE CHILD-FRIENDLY LUDIC CITY: EXPLORING CHILDREN'S GEOGRAPHIES OF PLAY IN SINGAPORE'S PUBLIC OPEN SPACES

Abstract

Singapore Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Draft Master Plan 2019 focuses on creating an age-friendly neighbourhood, including providing adequate care spaces for children. I identify that this planning perspective reflects the Singapore state’s view of children as non-agentic. I address this perspective by first, uncovering the contextual nuances of a Singapore childhood; second, exploring children's multi-faceted play geographies; third, understanding how they envision their future play areas. I position my research at the intersection of Children’s Geographies and Play Geographies, utilising the concepts of New Social Studies of Childhood, child friendly city, participation and ludic city. I adopt a child-centric methodology comprising the participatory methods of ‘photovoice’, imaginative drawing/writing, semi-structured interviews and go-alongs. I hope to contribute to the growing literature of Children’s Geographies in Singapore by recognising children’s agencies in their play and highlighting the importance of planning with children. I ultimately aspire for Singapore to become a child-friendly ludic city too.