Bakar, Mohd Sarofil Abu Bakar (2002) Children's drawings as research tool : establishing children's environmental concepts and preferences with reference to urban open space planning and design in Johore Bahru, Malaysia. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield.
Abstract
The aim of this research is to investigate meanings and concepts of children's drawings from
cultural and gender perspectives using appropriate qualitative techniques and methods for
interpreting drawing. This thesis discusses how children's concepts and preferences may
differ from adults' thinking and planning. The study starts with a discussion of various issues
of relating to children and urban planning and design in Johore Bahru, Malaysia. This is
followed by a review of the psychology of children's drawings; the use of children's drawings
in environmental research; the provision for and children's use of urban environments, and
the state of Johore Bahru's urban environmental planning. Through the literature review,
this research studies "Western" models from interdisciplinary perspectives. The children's
drawings were used as a research tool to reveal their concepts of home landscape and
activities they preferred in an ideal residential neighbourhood environment. Data from
questionnaires and essays were used to check evidence found in drawings. In all, 114
Malay, Chinese and Indian children from seven primary schools in urban Johore Bahru
completed the tasks. The findings of qualitative content analysis and interpretation of
drawings showed similarities and differences across cultures and genders in environmental
concepts and preferences which may indicate shortcomings in current urban planning.
Children's drawings provide valuable information on the development of children's
environmental concepts and preferences of ideal home landscape. The concepts are
represented in the form of diverse, safe, colourful and accessible naturalistic environments
for exploration, learning, play and socialising with peers. This finding will help future research
projects by providing information indicating issues and problems in provision of open
spaces within the urban planning system. The thesis concludes with a critical commentary
on the likely use of children's drawing as research tool, children's environmental needs and
preferences, together with the possibility of child participation in decision making, planning
and design process within the urban planning system in Malaysia.
Metadata
Awarding institution: | University of Sheffield |
---|---|
Academic unit: | Department of Landscape Architecture |
Identification Number/EthosID: | uk.bl.ethos.392549 |
Depositing User: | EThOS Import Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 28 Oct 2016 08:59 |
Last Modified: | 28 Oct 2016 08:59 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:etheses.whiterose.ac.uk:15049 |
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