ISOCARP celebrates the results of the Metropolis Children’s Eyes contest organized by Metropolis, showcasing the creativity of children and their call for greener, healthy, safe and inclusive cities.
The Covid crisis is, for many urban planners, the starting point for a paradigm shift in the way we think about our cities. Given that nearly a third of the 4 billion people living in urban areas are children (UNICEF), it is undeniable that for the transformation processes of large metropolises to be successful, they must be carried out with a child-friendly approach.
But how do children look at their cities nowadays, as an illustration of the past and the future?
To have answers, Metropolis – the World Association of the Major Metropolises – initiated Metropolis Through Children’s Eyes to convey children’s opinions, experiences, and suggestions expressed through drawings.
ISOCARP was happy to partner in this initiative. Over 1,200 children between 5 and 14 years old from more than 33 cities sent in their drawings, revealing clear demands and needs: more public space for socializing and play, safer and inclusive cities, active and sustainable mobility and more urban green spaces.
With ISOCARP represented by Jens Aerts, a jury selected a winner for each of the three age categories. They were announced at the annual Metropolis Congress in November.