Panel Discussion: Designing for Childhood in the City

A panel discussion exploring what makes a child-friendly city and why it matters. What Makes a Great City for Children? Having listened to what Edinburgh’s children have told us about their city, Tuesday asks us to think, to consider what their experiences and ideas mean for the way we design, plan and shape Edinburgh. Bringing children’s voices together with research, evidence and professional expertise, Tim Gill, Dinah Bornat, Sue Palmer and Shirley Young bring perspectives spanning childhood and development, architecture and housing, planning and public space, independence, disability and inclusion. Together, we’ll think about what children need to grow, play, explore and participate in their city; what kinds of places support those needs; and how our streets, homes, neighbourhoods and public spaces could better enable independence, inclusion and belonging. What do children need? What places support it? What kind of city enables it? And how do we make sure every child is included? A chance to think differently about Edinburgh, about what we already know, what children can teach us, and what those responsible for shaping our city could be doing differently. Panel Discussion | Free Tickets Find us at A&DS:SpACE located on Level 0 of Edinburgh Futures Institute East Wing, next to Middle Meadow walk. Speakers Sue Palmer is a writer, educator and campaigner focused on child development and play. A former primary headteacher and literacy specialist, she is the author of Toxic Childhood and Upstart. She chaired the Scottish Play Commission and helped establish Upstart Scotland, advocating for childhood rooted in relationships, active and social play, time outdoors and developmentally appropriate expectations. Dinah Bornat is an architect, urban designer and researcher, and co-founder of ZCD Architects, specialising in child-friendly design and inclusive engagement. A former Mayor’s Design Advocate for London, she is the author of All to Play For: How to Design Child-Friendly Housing. Her work explores how children can be meaningfully included in designing homes, neighbourhoods and cities. Tim Gill is an independent scholar, writer and consultant, and a leading advocate for children’s outdoor play and mobility. He is the author of Urban Playground and No Fear. His work explores how planning, design and public policy can give children greater freedom to play, move around and participate in everyday city life. Shirley Young has spent her career working in equality, diversity and disability, with a particular focus on disabled children and their families. She previously chaired the Family Fund Trust and served on the Scotland Committee of the Big Lottery Fund. Her work brings extensive experience of inclusion, participation and the barriers that can prevent children and families from fully participating in everyday life.