Tim Gill

Tim Gill, a London-based scholar and advocate for children's mobility, discusses the dire state of children's physical and mental health due to restricted outdoor freedoms. He emphasizes that playgrounds alone aren't enough and calls for vibrant, play-friendly neighborhoods. Tim champions the concept of doorstep play, arguing for spaces reclaimed from cars. He shares innovative examples like Vauban’s car-free design and Rotterdam's family-focused transformations. Framing child-friendly cities as climate action, he proposes practical steps to restore children’s outdoor experiences.

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.

Tim Gill, an independent expert on child-friendly planning and author of "Urban Playground," explores the alarming decline in children's freedom to roam outdoors. He highlights how our car-centric cities limit children's opportunities for play and growth. The discussion covers the importance of safe spaces like Play Streets and School Streets that foster community and allow kids to learn independence. Gill emphasizes that balancing safety with freedom is crucial for developing resilience and confidence in children, while also urging a return to outdoor culture.