The mosaic approach as a tool to facilitate participatory planning with children: Insights from Milan, Italy

ABSTRACT

Evidence in the conventional literature points to the prospects of children as active agents in decision-making processes. This has also been emphasised in the participatory neighbourhood and city planning discourse. However, literature connecting a pronounced methodology like the 'mosaic approach' to participatory planning with children in peripheral immigrant neighbourhoods is scant. Following this, the purpose of this paper was to determine children's ability to provide relevant neighbourhood planning information. Employing a case study approach, primary data were gathered from 20 children of diverse backgrounds living in an immigrant neighbourhood in South-East Milan. The results show that children gave credence to outdoor play spaces where they meet friends and family. On the other hand, children identified the activities of some gypsies as a major dislike of their neighbourhood. Also, some of the suggested wishes and visions of children were more green areas, a swimming or splash pool, and a football field. A contribution of our analyses is a demonstration of the practicality of the mosaic approach as a conceptual and analytical lens in neighbourhood planning. Finally, we conclude the paper by emphasising the theme echoing the silent voices of children with a comprehensive sketch (mosaic) of the suggestions provided by the children.

KEYWORDS:

• Children’s participation
• neighbourhood planning
• mosaic approach
• Milan
• immigrant neighbourhood

Acknowledgements

This study is part of a Master’s studio work conducted between February and June 2019. The authors thank Miss Hala Abuelgasim and Miss Sharon Malta De Andrade for their efforts in the studio work and data collection process. The authors also thank Professors Sandro Balducci and Antonella Bruzzese of Politecinco di Milano for their tutelage.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).