In Israel, over 90% of the population lives in urban areas, with approximately 28% of the population under the age of 15 and nearly 10% aged from birth to 4 years. Urban spaces and public areas play a central role in the developmental processes of young children. The growth of infants and children is shaped through various experiences, often facilitated by a significant adult, such as parents, grandparents, older siblings, paid caregivers, and others. These developmental processes continue as children step outside their homes into the urban environment, where they explore, learn about the world, and build relationships with their surroundings.
The planning and design of residential environments, streets, playgrounds, public institutions, and public transportation impact opportunities for both present and future development. To provide exposure to a range of experiences and to strengthen the bond between toddlers and their caregivers, we must create a cohesive urban environment that recognizes young children and addresses their needs. Alongside the goal of promoting psychological well-being, it is also essential to ensure physical safety in both public and private spaces.
Young children are not “little adults”; they have unique age-specific qualities and abilities that make them more vulnerable to physical dangers (such as air pollution, noise, and road accidents) as well as to emotional and social stressors.
Viewing the urban environment from a height of 95 cm - the average height of a healthy three-year-old - allows us to see the world from a perspective often overlooked by adults. From this unique vantage point, we at Urban95 Tel Aviv-Jaffa identify the challenges and opportunities that public spaces present and work to address them. In response to the city’s specific urban challenges, we engage urban planning and operational stakeholders - including departments that might not typically consider themselves relevant to early childhood. This collaborative process includes various programs and city tours that highlight their role in supporting the city’s youngest residents, aiming to make them active, influential partners in shaping the next generation’s development. Our methodology emphasizes tactical interventions that are affordable, quick to implement, requiring minimal infrastructure changes, and designed to foster rapid, meaningful impact.
We believe that an urban environment that benefits infants, toddlers, and their caregivers is one that benefits everyone.
