Planning for Play-Friendly City: Global Narratives and Local Interpretations in the Context of Istanbul

Abstract

The concept of a “play-friendly city” has gained prominence in urban planning, highlighting the essential role of play in children’s development and well-being. This paper investigates global frameworks promoting children’s right to play and examines how cities interpret and implement these principles in diverse local contexts. It first reviews the theoretical foundations of play-focused urban planning, underscoring its importance in creating inclusive environments that support children’s physical, cognitive, and social growth. It then analyzes international policy narratives and city-level strategies, identifying shared objectives and local adaptations. Finally, Istanbul is examined as a case study, with a particular focus on the Istanbul Play initiative, which seeks to embed play into the city’s planning processes through holistic, participatory, and community-driven approaches. The study forms part of ongoing doctoral research aimed at developing decision-making tools to guide local authorities in planning for play-friendly urban environments.