The Effect of Texture Colour Form and Memory Perception in Urban Space on Child Development: The Case of Bornova

Öz

This study investigates how the perception of color, texture, equipment, form, and memory within urban space influences child development, particularly from the perspectives of sensory and cognitive growth. While existing research demonstrates the psychological effects of color, texture, and form on individuals, this study critically examines how these parameters are applied in urban design practices to support children's developmental processes and explores their potential for future implementations. The research focuses on the Bornova district of İzmir, which has been designated a pilot region for the “Child-Friendly City” initiative by UNICEF and has adopted this approach in its urban planning strategies. In the study conducted using a mixed method, data was collected through observations made in parallel with literature reviews and survey results, and organised using the MAXQDA Analysis Programme. The surveys were conducted with children who came to the area at specified times (12:00–13:00 / 17:00–18:00) during the one-week analysis period and their parents, who were the best and primary observers of the children. The originality of the research lies in its effort to fill the gap between sensory design theory and practical urban interventions for children—a connection that remains underexplored in contemporary literature. By synthesizing insights from environmental psychology, neuroscience, and urban design, the study proposes applicable design principles that prioritize the developmental needs of children. The findings reveal that textures significantly influence cognitive mapping, sensory development, and memory formation; forms contribute to motor skills and spatial competence; and colors have a direct impact on emotional states, cognitive focus, and social interaction. Furthermore, symbols and elements that construct urban memory are found to support children's sense of belonging and spatial orientation. The results underscore the necessity of integrating sensory diversity, varied form compositions, intentional color strategies, and memory-supportive elements into future child – friendly urban planning, using child-scale and participatory approaches. These insights offer concrete proposals for transforming cities into active learning environments that holistically support child development.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Child Development
• Child-Friendly City
• Urban Design
• Sensory Design
• İzmir

Kentsel Mekândaki Doku Renk Form ve Bellek Algısının Çocuk Gelişimindeki Etkisi, Bornova Örneği

Öz

Bu çalışma, kentsel mekândaki renk, doku, donatı, form ve bellek algısının çocuk gelişimini, özellikle duyusal ve bilişsel gelişim perspektifinden nasıl etkilediğini araştırmaktadır. Mevcut araştırmalar renk, doku ve formun insan psikolojisindeki etkilerini gösterirken, bu çalışma kapsamında söz konusu parametrelerin çocukların gelişimsel süreçlerini desteklemek amacıyla kentsel tasarım pratiklerinde nasıl kullanıldığı ve gelecekte nasıl kullanılabileceği irdelenmektedir. Bu irdeleme, UNICEF tarafından "Çocuk Dostu Kent" pilot bölgesi seçilen ve bu yaklaşımı benimsemiş İzmir Bornova ilçesi özelinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Karma yöntemle yürütülen çalışmada, literatür taraması ve anket sonuçları paralelinde oluşan gözlemlerle veri toplanarak MAXQDA Analiz Programı’nda düzenlenmiştir. Anketler, bir haftalık analiz süresince belirlenen saatlerde (12:00 – 13:00 / 17:00 – 18:00) alana gelen çocuklar ve çocukların en iyi ve birincil gözlemcisi olan ebeveynleri ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışmanın özgünlüğü, çağdaş literatürde yeterince keşfedilmemiş bir bağlantı noktası olan duyusal tasarım ile çocuklara yönelik pratik kentsel müdahaleler arasındaki boşlukları doldurmasında yatmaktadır. Çevresel psikoloji, nörobilim ve kentsel tasarımdan elde edilen bulguları entegre eden bu çalışma, çocukların gelişimsel ihtiyaçlarına öncelik veren uygulanabilir tasarım ilkeleri önermektedir. Bulgular, dokuların bilişsel haritalama, duyusal gelişim ve hafıza oluşumunu, formların motor ve uzamsal becerileri, renklerin ise duygusal durum, bilişsel odaklanma ve sosyal etkileşimi doğrudan etkilediğini göstermiştir. Semboller ve kentsel belleği oluşturan öğelerin aidiyet ve yönelim becerilerine katkısı belirlenmiştir. Sonuçlar, gelecekteki çocuk dostu kentsel planlamada duyusal çeşitliliğin, farklı form kombinasyonlarının, bilinçli renk stratejilerinin ve bellek destekleyici öğelerin, çocuk ölçeğinde ve katılımcı yaklaşımlarla entegre edilmesinin gerekliliğini ortaya koymaktadır. Bu bulgular, kentlerin çocukların bütüncül gelişimini destekleyen aktif öğrenme alanlarına dönüşmesine yönelik somut öneriler sunmaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Çocuk gelişimi
• Çocuk dostu kent
• Kentsel tasarım
• Duyusal tasarım
• İzmir

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