The overarching question this project intended to answer is: In which areas of Vancouver do play deserts exist? Within this objective, other questions can be identified, including:
a) Which areas of Vancouver have an absence/presence of play space?
b) What are the levels of playability within Vancouver?
c) How do the areas of Vancouver with high/low levels of playability compare socially and economically?
To answer these questions this project conducted spatial analyses and developed maps locating play spaces and identifying their level of playability, or suitability in terms of play engagement, socioeconomic status, pediatric walkability, safety, and play deserts within Vancouver. Visual representations of play desert distribution allow for easy interpretation of the issue, identification of problem areas within neighbourhoods, and with accompanying literature, such as this project, could also be used to inform further academic research.
This project aimed to complement the clients’ body of research by providing spatial context, linking the analysis of risky outdoor play opportunities to location and space.