In my work with children I have adopted a role of anti-educator.
Calling myself another name would be unfair, as during my meetings with children it is me who learns. Only listening to children, giving attention to their needs and what they have to say, I can show them the importance of being sensitive to the needs of others, also in urban space.
On the 1st December during the second edition of “ADE Let’s meet. Presentations, networking, workshops” I will talk on my work with children. The meeting for architecture educators is organised by National Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning.
How to work with children? From running workshops and talking to children I have learnt the rule of 3L. The Ls are simple and difficult in the same time: Listen, Learn and Love.
Let’s talk about children. Let’s talk with children. Today I have launched an instagram account for cityforchildren. Check it!
During one of the conferences, while discussing what a perfect place for children looks like, I realised it is like a permanent campsite, where kids can play free, have other children as company, and in the same time have adults within their reach to support them if they are hungry, in trouble or in need of a toilet. Being 6 years old I experienced that kind of perfectness during my holidays to Libya.
I like charrette workshop a lot. It is one of the most sustainable consultation methods, allowing to hear needs of many stakeholders. I also like a lot Mycielski Architecture and Urbanism (MAU) design studio, which is a pioneer of that method in Poland. In addition I miss Teatralny square in Warsaw (presently a big car park, where Polish National Opera is) from 2016. Then, on the occassion of Music Days cars dissapeared for a couple of days, and the space was filled up with greenery and people (photo above). So, when the three elements met and I read that MAU would be organising charrette workshop on the square on the city’s commision, I knew I would take part in it.
Why children should have influence on designing real estate and cities? In „Galaktyka Nieruchomości” I talked to Agnieszka Sławomirska if and how children’s voice can change commercial real estate sector. Conversation (in Polish) is available here.
A week ago the media published a photo of a restaurant door with a sign saying “Children and dogs – no entry without muzzle”. The notice caused outrage, which I understand. In the same time, dealing with children rights in urban space, I see how often in Poland in social discourse children and animals are put in the same box.
I have talked to Urbcast. I told about the book I’m writing with and for children, what children need in a city and why it is so important that urban space is child-friendly and meets those needs. The episode (in Polish) is here.
Meet my characters: Hugo, the 7-year-old narrator of my book, his 10-year-old sister Jana and their mum Mimi. See how Hugo explains what the urban game is about. Enjoy and try to play a bit yourself on your way to work!
