Baby steps: introducing co-design in public space interventions with early childhood and vulnerable communities in Uruguay

Abstract

With the aim of generating proposals which are highly coherent with the needs, values and desires of end-users, several disciplines of design are undergoing methodology development to enable the collaboration in the design process with end-users. Urban design has been influenced by these global trends and residents are increasingly being included during phases of design projects to improve quality of life within communities. Conversely, maximising the participation of young children in the design process of public spaces has yet to be widely researched.

The research topic is concerned with the understanding and intervention in the co-design process of public spaces and associated services for and with early childhood, focusing primarily on those from vulnerable populations. This is achieved through three case studies conducted as part of the project from the Uruguayan government, Barrios para Crecer, where a multi-sector and multi-generational team of professionals and families were invited to co-design public playgrounds with families in marginalised neighbourhoods. The project focuses on amplifying the voice of young children and the carers in their communities. This study was the first of its kind in the country.

The design team from Barrios para Crecer interacted with target participants, residents and actors in meetings and co-design workshops which sought to combine efforts and generate ideas for each of the playgrounds in the provided locations. The resulting findings were varied. In practice, several difficulties arose from the involvement of various public institutions in the process, including issues with time, public interest, attendance, political miscommunication and additionally inadequate materials caused the case studies and project to suffer. However, it provided essential insights into the structuring of future international research into co-design projects highlighting national relevant dilemmas to overcome within Uruguay. The conclusion reframes ‘Barrios para Crecer’ and proposes a tool-kit for implementation in co-design projects which might make the participation of young children in vulnerable communities viable in the realm of public entities in the context of cities across Uruguay.