IIT-R completes study for ‘safer, happier streets’ for Doon kids

Dehradun: In a bid to improve safety and happiness for children in Dehradun, a team from IIT Roorkee recently completed a study on three major roads in the state capital. The study, conducted over four months, aimed to understand how city navigation could be made more joyful for children Local experts and morning walkers also contributed their insights to the study. The findings will soon be shared with govt for implementation at the ground level.
Tina Pujara, the urban design studio coordinator at IIT Roorkee, said, “We wanted to explore this possibility in the context of Dehradun, also known as a school capital of the country. How can urban design enhance the existing streetscapes into a happy experience for children? It is imperative that we prioritise their needs while designing our cities.”
The research focused on Rajpur Road (divided into two parts), Subhash Road, and EC Road. Tapan Chakravarty from the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, an urban designer and the 2023-25 batch of Masters of Architecture students from IIT Roorkee, led the study.
Key findings emphasised safety, emotional well-being, and playful engagement. The design strategies, categorised as ‘Nature Infused Emotive Playscape’, ‘Playful Landscape for Children’, ‘Bond’s Nostalgia’, and ‘Joyous Street for Children through Storytelling Approach’, prioritised interactive safe streetscapes and the integration of nature and play.
By incorporating children’s perspectives, cities can become vibrant playgrounds that promote happiness, researchers said, adding that the research not only benefits Dehradun but also provides inspiration for other cities to prioritise well-being of their young citizens.