CHILDREN'S PARTICIPATION IN DESIGN PROCESSES: BEGINNING OF A DIALOGUE ON THE ADAPTABILITY AND DURABILITY OF SPACES FOR CHILDREN

SA.
2025;
: 121-138
1
Lviv Polytechnic National University, Department of Architectural Design

In modern architectural practice, designing adaptive and durable spaces is becoming a key challenge, especially for child-oriented environments. The dynamic needs of younger users, the impact of generational changes and socio-cultural transformations require the development of approaches that ensure the sustainability and multifunctionality of spaces. In this context, participatory design plays an important role in helping to create environments that take into account the real needs of children and remain relevant in the long term.

The article analyzes the relationship between adaptability, durability, and generational characteristics, emphasizing the importance of child participation in design processes. Involvement of children contributes not only to increasing the functionality of the environment, but also to the formation of their social responsibility and identity. At the same time, modern trends such as digitalization, environmental adaptation, and changing behavioral patterns create new requirements for the architectural environment, necessitating the integration of technology and a focus on sustainable development.

The study also focuses on participatory design methods and models, analyzes examples of successful practices, and outlines barriers to effective consideration of children's participation in planning processes. It considers how spatial solutions can adapt to generational dynamics, as well as how children's interaction with space affects its durability.

The results of this study can serve as a basis for developing new approaches to the design of children’s spaces that will promote harmonious development, inclusiveness, and intergenerational interaction. The outlined areas of research demonstrate the need for an interdisciplinary approach to the formation of an architectural environment that will meet the challenges of the future.

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