Practical design principles and planning strategies that support children’s wellbeing, independence, and play in contemporary housing and neighbourhood development.
Housing design has a profound influence on children’s daily lives. Access to play, independence of movement, social interaction, and connection to community are shaped by decisions made at the scale of the home, building, street, and neighbourhood. Yet many contemporary housing developments are not designed with children’s needs in mind.
This session examines how architects, planners, and developers can integrate child-friendly principles into housing design and neighbourhood planning. Drawing on research into housing and community life, as well as practical design frameworks used in practice and policy discussions, the program explores how child-inclusive thinking can reshape residential environments.
Participants will examine the spatial and social conditions that support children’s development and family life, including access to safe outdoor play, visibility and supervision, density considerations, and the relationship between homes and shared spaces. The session also explores the broader societal benefits of designing for children, including stronger communities, healthier neighbourhoods, and more resilient urban environments.
Intended Audience
Architects, urban designers, housing developers, planners, local authority professionals, and built environment practitioners involved in residential design and neighbourhood planning.
Director | ZCD Architects
Dinah is the co-founder and Director of ZCD Architects. She is an architect, housing specialist and urban designer. She is a leading international expert on child-friendly cities and has advised Government, Parliament and the House of Lords on the subject. ​ Author of 'All to play for: How to design child friendly housing' Honorary Professor at Queen's University Belfast Adviser to Government on the Fundamental Review of Building Regulations. Mayor's Design Advocate for the Mayor of London Design Review Panel member for Harrow, Hounslow, and Brent councils.
