Safe City

Safe City

Exploring the Childhood Neighborhoods: A Study of Adults' Childhood Experiences (A Case Study: The City of Sanandaj)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Nina Ghaslani 1
Azadeh Aghalatifi 2
Marjansadat Nemati Mehr 3
Hamid Nadimi 4
1 Department of architecture, Faculty of art and architecture, Shahid Beheshti University
2 Department of Architecture,, Shahid Beheshti University
3 , Department of Planning and Designing Biological Complex, Faculty Of Architecture and Urbanism, Shahid Beheshti University
4 Department of Architecture, faculty of architecture and urbanism, Shahid Beheshti University
10.22034/ispdrc.2025.2056241.1174
Abstract
Introduction
Childhood neighborhoods play a pivotal role in children's social development, interactions, and the formation of long-term memories. As primary environments for social engagement and exploration, these neighborhoods offer unique experiences that significantly shape the mental and emotional framework of individuals in adulthood. However, widespread changes in social, economic, and urban structures—such as rapid urbanization, the decline of play areas, heightened safety concerns, and the rise of digital technologies—have diminished children’s interactions with their neighborhoods, weakening their developmental impact. These changes underscore the importance of re-examining and rediscovering the essence of childhood neighborhoods.
Focusing on the city of Sanandaj—renowned for its unique physical structure and diverse hills—this study aims to identify the characteristics of childhood neighborhoods through the lens of adults who spent their formative years in these spaces. By exploring the memories and experiences of these individuals, the study seeks to provide urban planners and designers with fresh perspectives for creating meaningful and lasting environments for children. Such spaces would not only resonate in children's memories but also enhance their quality of life in the future. The outcomes of this research can also contribute to designing environments that foster a sense of belonging, social interaction, and a deeper connection with one's surroundings.
Methodology
The research methodology employed a qualitative approach based on thematic analysis, deemed appropriate for identifying the characteristics of childhood neighborhoods from the perspectives of adults who experienced these environments. Data was collected through 30 in-depth interviews using purposive sampling. The sampling criteria included being born and having spent childhood in Sanandaj, diversity in age and neighborhood types, and active participation in the neighborhood during childhood. Data analysis involved coding and was carried out using the MAXQDA22 software. Additionally, the researcher conducted field visits to the spaces mentioned by participants or similar environments for validation purposes by observing and documenting them. To strengthen the connection between the data and child psychology theories, feedback from experts in this field was incorporated, aligning the final findings with scientific principles and key concepts of child psychology.

Results and discussion
The study explores the rich and diverse meanings of childhood neighborhoods based on seven themes: security, sensory richness, childhood home, mystery, walkability and cyclability, and compatibility with nature.
Green spaces such as parks, fruit trees, and house yards have been identified as influential factors in the emotional and cognitive development of children. Additionally, the unique physical structure of Sanandaj, with its sloped alleys and geographical variations, has created diverse experiences for children. However, limitations such as steep inclines and street traffic have hindered some activities, encouraging children to seek safer spaces for play.Childhood memories include interactions with both adults and peers in neighborhoods. However, factors such as the presence of young adults in certain spaces or narrow, winding alleys could create a sense of insecurity and momentary fear. Additionally, traditional neighborhoods and organizational housing, with their distinct physical and safe characteristics, played a significant role in shaping children's memories and experiences. These spaces provided opportunities for play and social interaction, fostering a sense of belonging and security.Environmental affordance refers to the role of childhood neighborhoods in providing opportunities for presence, play, and interaction. It enables children to actively engage with their surroundings, discovering and utilizing these affordances during their play activities. Among the notable spaces in memories are stairs and cozy corners, which served as gathering spots for play and socializing. Additionally, social life and close relationships with friends form a significant part of these memories, as the safety and walkability of the neighborhoods enhanced children’s social interactions.Ambiguity in an environment can spark imagination, allowing individuals to derive various meanings from it and imbue it with their own significance. Children's memories of spaces such as narrow alleys, abandoned houses, and historic mansions highlight how these features stimulate curiosity and a sense of adventure. Spaces like hideouts are considered a vital part of childhood memories, which can either be created by adults or constructed by children themselves, transforming them into areas for play, exploration, and creativity.The interview emphasizes sensory richness, where adults' memories of their childhood environments include sensory features such as smells, sounds, and visual details. These sensory connections are absent in the contemporary urban environments of Sanandaj but are vividly reflected in the memories. Observational spaces, such as sitting in specific spots to watch the street, are also a significant part of these recollections, influencing social interactions and environmental experiences. The interviewees' memories highlight factors such as neighborhood safety, children's freedom of movement, and the proximity of services, which facilitated independent mobility and unique experiences like running errands and cycling. An example of these memories is children's experience of cycling on the sloped alleys of the neighborhood, recalled as an exciting and memorable activity.
Conclusion
This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of childhood neighborhoods based on the narratives of adults in Sanandaj. The results showed that neighborhoods played a prominent role in individuals' childhood memories, and the extracted model included 6 main categories: security, sensory richness, childhood home, mystery, walkability and cyclability, and compatibility with nature.. Among the frequently cited factors, parks and green spaces had a special place due to their connection with nature and creating pause. Also, the specific conditions of the land slope and the hill of Sanandaj had high effect on childhood memories. In examining the types of neighborhoods, 3 types of neighborhoods were identified: old, new, and residential complexes, among which the category of sensory richness was not observed in the residential complexes. The analyses show that old neighborhoods, with a stronger presence of children and rich sensory experiences, were more prominent than other neighborhoods. It is suggested that future research, considering local characteristics and culture, provide practical results for designing child-friendly cities and examine the relationship between childhood memories and children's current experience in more depth.
Keywords
Neighborhood
Childhood
Adulthood
Memory
Thematic Analysis
Sanandaj
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Safe City
Volume 9, Issue 1 - Serial Number 33
Spring 2026
Pages 178-201