When it comes to housing design, how often do we truly consider the needs of children and young people, beyond the play space requirements of the London Plan or the non-mandatory LAPs, LEAPs, and NEAPs guidance outside London? Probably not very often, if my experience on design review panels is any indication.

A lack of policy is likely part of the problem, but another key issue is understanding why children’s needs should be prioritised in housing design – and knowing how to address them effectively. In my book, All to Play For: How to Design Child-Friendly Housing, I aim to tackle these challenges. The book begins by reflecting on 20th-century housing, urban theories, and landscape architecture.

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