Tree and Children

URBAN TREE A solution for facilitating children’s development Wei Wang LA 578i Instructor Mimi Wagner

Contents Introduction Purpose

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Research & Analysis Connection of Tree and children Positive impact of interaction

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Suggestions Design tree place for children

It’s not just about tree; It’s about our future

Conclusion

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Human is part of nature but gradually apart from nature. Children, who are naturally born with a sense of close attachment with the environments but socially acquire a sense of separateness from environments, especially the natural environment.

As the cities become denser and more congestive, the people who are living in the urban area spend less time outdoors, especially the children.

Moreover, the “shrinkage of children’s place� in terms of the more limited access to the surrounding, because of safety consideration, makes children less possible to spend time with trees.

This document will explain why the tree is important for children and the relationship between trees and children. Finally, it will provide some design suggestions for both children and trees.

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CONNECTION OF TREE AND CHILDREN

TREE

CHILDREN

Spiritual Connection

PHYSICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL Physical Contact

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SENSORY CONTACT

GUSTATORY

5 SENSES

TACTILE

VESTIBULAR

OLFACTORY

3 HIDDEN SENSES

VISUAL

AUDITORY

PROPRIOCEPTION

INTEROCEPTION

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5 SENSES

HIDDEN SENSES

SENSORY CONTACT TASTE

FRUIT

SMELL

FLOWER

SHAPE/COLOR

LISTEN

LEAVES FRIVTION

TOUCH

TEXTURE

BY ACTIVE INTERACTION

SEE

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POSITIVE IMPACT OF INTERACTION

• COGNITIVE PROMOTING Learning, problem solving, knowledge acquiring about the surrounding environment and increases the ability to interact with it.

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• MENTAL HEALTH ADJUSTING In an effortless type of attention to help to reduce stress and fatigue and gain a feeling of pleasure.

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• BODY DEVELOPMENT Develop motor skills through climbing, running around, and balancing self when playing with tree.

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• LEARNING GROUND Foster students’ academic advancement, love of learning, and aspirations to improve the world.

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• RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Build an inclusive space that enables active happens for enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure.

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• ESTHETIC ENJOYMENTS Help children to develop the ability to deal with the nature of beauty and taste, as well as the philosophy of art within the natural environment.

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• SOCIAL TIES ENHANCING Creat opportunities to join a group to build a new or enhance an old friendship while talking and playing.

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• FUTURE POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS NATURE Built an intimate tie with nature and improve knowledge and awareness, and environmentally responsible behavior.

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TREE PLACE FOR CHILDREN

• SIMPLE INSTALL Simple structures suitable for children to utilize in terms of play.

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• FUN PLACE Specifically designed shape, space or material that provides a unique platform for children to play within nature.

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• ADVENTURE Have an interesting and exciting space to explore, challenge and grow.

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• SOCIAL GATHERING A llarger space providing a playground for children as well as create social opportunities for them.

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The children are lacking access to where they can build a connection with trees, especially in the urban area. To increase the accessibility to urban green space, in terms of trees, for children, the urban planner and landscape designer should be more responsible. The importance of urban trees, not only are the ecological and economic functions but also is undertaking the role of relevance to children’s development and future life.

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