Alku (beginning) is a child-friendly design method developed by Nomaji, drawing from our extensive experience in urban space and learning environment design. This method focuses on creating cities that prioritize children’s rights and overall well-being.
The method includes tools for analysis and participation, design solutions, and customizable outdoor structures and furniture. Crucially, at the centre of the design process are the perspectives and well-being of children and young people. In addition to children’s environments, such as schools and kindergartens, the method can be applied to improve child-friendliness in all outdoor spaces. It is adaptable to various scales, from urban planning to detailed landscape designs.
In a child-friendly environment, responsibility and sustainability are considered holistically. Based on our experience, such environments benefit all users, as a child-friendly city is diverse, interesting, safe, and healthy for everyone. It offers opportunities to learn and experience new things, promoting children’s growth and development in various ways. Simultaneously, it promotes care for the future.
The Alku method is founded on three design principles: enabling contact with nature, supporting spontaneous movement, and creating learning opportunities throughout the urban environment:
Connection with nature enhances children’s experiences and microbial contact. Scientific research continuously highlights the positive effects of regular contact with nature, such as the development of a child’s immune system. Nature contact also aids in understanding biological diversity and enhancing an appreciation for nature. Besides being in nature, natural elements and materials can be integrated into urban spaces.
Movement and play improve children’s motor skills, creativity and enhances learning. A child-friendly environment supports both guided and spontaneous movement by encouraging and enabling different ways of using the space. By adding playful elements to the urban environment, children and young people can engage in more movement while expanding the areas where they feel safe and comfortable.
Interaction with nature supports diverse forms of learning. Learning outdoors increases motivation and teaches a range of skills. In a child-friendly environment, learning opportunities are available everywhere, and learning takes place independently through doing and experiencing. Outdoor spaces offer many learning opportunities, making learning more fun and meaningful.
We design concrete solutions that consider children’s needs as part of city development and enhance child-friendliness at a strategic level.
The Alku method is a forward-thinking approach where the children are the stars!
