The War on Cars Cities for Children with Tim Gill
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Sep 30, 2025 Tim Gill, an independent scholar based in London and author focused on children's play and urban design, shares fascinating insights on creating child-friendly cities. He discusses the alarming correlation between restricted outdoor freedom and children's declining health. Tim advocates for reclaiming urban spaces for 'doorstep play,' revolutionizing neighborhoods from car-centric to play-friendly. He also highlights successful examples like Vauban's car-free design in Freiburg and stresses the importance of equity in urban planning for all families.
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Playgrounds Aren't The Whole Answer
- Playgrounds concentrate children into reservations rather than restoring their freedom to use the whole city.
- Tim Gill argues doorstep play and shared streets reclaim everyday space for kids and neighbours.
The Power Of Doorstep Play
- Doorstep play is when children step outside their front door and immediately find safe places to play and meet friends.
- Gill presents doorstep play as a guiding ideal for reconfiguring neighbourhood space away from cars.
Vauban: A Living Car-Free Example
- Vauban, Freiburg is a mostly car-free district where cars park at the edge and public space is for people and play.
- Gill observed many children freely playing in streets and green spaces instead of fenced playgrounds.
