Promoting play and physical activity in a riverside, urban green space

Abstract

Norwegian children do not get enough physical activity. This sedentary behaviour is carried into adulthood, bringing with it detremental effects on perceived health and happiness. Urban green spaces play an important role in mitigating these effects. However, it can be argued that our urban green spaces are seldomly designed in a way which adequately activates both youth and adults. This thesis investigates how to design for the promotion of play and physical activity in a riverside, urban green space. It seeks to do so by using a model for knowledge-based design in landscape architecture. The thesis finds evidence suggesting that a design which promotes activity for both youth and adults may be possible, but that there are certain conflicts to consider.