The influence of environmental design on children's physical activity. Insights from affordable housing in Rome, Italy

Affordable housing developments are a fundamental part of housing policy but often encounter significant challenges related to the design of open spaces. These difficulties can directly affect the quality of life for inhabitants. Among the most impacted groups are children, who need environments that encourage active play and safe movement. The quality of open space design and its effect on the physical activity of children aged 7 to 13 living in affordable housing complexes in Rome, Italy is investigated in this paper. This study used a mixed-methods approach comprising systematic observation, behavioural mapping, and checklist-based assessment. The results show that environmental characteristics have a strong influence on children's physical activity in affordable housing complexes. Although issues like pedestrian safety, parental visibility, and walkability were mostly well-addressed and helped children's mobility, important deficiencies included the lack of sports facilities, inadequate play equipment, and badly planned green areas restricted possibilities for active play. Most complexes' general spatial design did not completely satisfy the requirements of children between the ages of 7 and 13 for varied and interesting physical activity. The study underlines the need of well-designed open spaces in affordable residential settings as a strategy to promote physical activity and enhance the health and well-being of children by improving the environmental quality of their surroundings.